China's first independently developed weather satellite has successfully captured its first visible cloud picture.

This means the orbiting meteorological satellite, the Fengyun-2 C, has reached its targeted orbit and is capable of doing a preliminary observation over the earth. The good quality of the picture shows the satellite is functioning normally.

The Fengyun-2 C was launched into space on October 19th. It monitors the temperature and the clouds above China and neighboring areas and is able to provide meteorological information for the Asia-Pacific region.

(CRI October 30, 2004)