China plans to launch three Fengyun geostationary meteorological satellites over the next two years. This initiative aims to bolster global early warning systems, aligning with the United Nations’ Early Warnings for All initiative. By enhancing these systems, China seeks to support billions of people worldwide in combating climate change, according to a senior official, reports China Daily.
The satellites will play a crucial role in providing critical weather data, helping countries prepare for and respond to severe weather events more effectively. Chen Zhenlin, head of the China Meteorological Administration, remarked the satellites — “one optical over the Indian Ocean”, and “one optical” and “one microwave over the western Pacific Ocean” — are in their final phases of integration testing and are scheduled for launch between 2025 and 2026.
Ahead of World Meteorological Day, Zhenlin shared that the deployment of these satellites will bring groundbreaking development to global early warning systems, further noting that “their high-frequency monitoring capabilities will allow these satellites to take advantage of the window for disaster prevention.”
The Indian Ocean and western Pacific face frequent severe weather like typhoons and heavy rain. Fengyun satellites offer real-time monitoring to detect potential disasters early, giving valuable time for preparation. A microwave satellite, which can see through clouds, will analyze typhoon structures precisely, leading to better predictions of their path and strength, giving countries in Asia and the Pacific warnings several hours to days ahead.
Optical satellites can identify heat waves and wildfire smoke, while the microwave satellite tracks atmospheric moisture for flood forecasting. Together, they can monitor droughts in Africa and provide 3D views of intense rainstorms in Southeast Asia, aiding climate resilience in Belt and Road Initiative countries. The optical satellites’ fast scanning feature provides minute-by-minute data for vulnerable areas. For example, Pacific islands could forecast a major cyclone’s arrival three days in advance.
