China's new polar orbit meteorological satellite Fengyun-3 (Wind and Cloud) is to take up its "meteorological mission" in 2006. The first satellite of the family will be boosted up by "Changzheng 4-B" rocket. It was learned from Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (CSTIND) on Mar. 28 that the research and development work on FY-3 is making its headway smoothly. The satellite is equipped with the most advanced technologies and its actual use will realize the development by leaps and bounds in such fields as ground monitoring, meteorological data forecast and global atmospheric probing in China.

As learned since the launch of FY-1 and FY-2 China has assumed the advantageous position in the international meteorological monitoring field. To further improve China's natural monitoring ability against disaster FY-3 will feature varieties of technologies. For example, the satellite will carry more than 10 sets of effective apparatuses. It will be able to receive and transmit more monitoring data and carry out more monitoring contents etc. Experts said the birth of FY-3 will make China the No.3 meteorological country after the US and Russia who are capable of independent research and development of two kinds of meteorological satellite and establishing a complete meteorological observation system at the same time. It is learned that China's FY-3 has been integrated by Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS) into the New Age World Polar Orbit Meteorological Satellite Network Plan.

Experts point out that FY-3 meteorological satellite is mainly concerned with weather forecast as well as the wide area monitoring of eco-environmental and natural disasters. It can provide professional meteorological service to aviation and navigation. The information it provides will cover regional meteorological conditions worldwide.

It is learned that the rocket for the first launch of FY-3 will be what we call the golden rocket -- Changzheng 4-B, which is one of the Changzheng series. According to rocket experts the rocket is fully capable of launching satellites of various uses in terms of its precision and reliability. The rocket has precisely sent FY 1-C, FY 1-D and ZY-1 into their respective orbits.

(People's Daily March 29, 2004)