China launched next-generation geostationary meteorological satellite FY-4-01

China successfully launched Fengyun-4-01 (FY-4-01), the first of Chinese second-generation geostationary meteorological satellite at Xichang Satellite Launch Center, southwest China's Sichuan Province. FY-4-01 is the first of Fengyun 4 geostationary meteorological satellite family of CMA，which is an important milestone for the development of weather satellites in China.

Fengyun-4-01 is expected to support various weather-related services, including weather forecasting, disaster prevention and reduction, and monitoring and warning of space weather. The capability of addressing climate change, exploring climate resources and monitoring ecological environment will also be enhanced. The first satellite of FY-4 series will explore its use in meteorology, water conservancy, agriculture, environment, energy, aviation and ocean. In addition, it will strongly support the national initiatives such as The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiatives, also known as "One belt, One road".

For the first time in the world FY-4-01 is carrying out an hyper-spectral vertical atmospheric sounding payload，which could conducting a high-precision observation of atmosphere over China and neighbourhoods. The observation system is a thousand times more capable than the current system, thus is bound to significantly enhance weather warning and forecasting capability.

[...]