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China has successfully launched a new satellite for meteorological purposes. The Fengyun-3F satellite was carried into orbit by a Long March 4C rocket, which took off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert. The launch took place at 11:47 p.m. EDT on August 2nd. The satellite, developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, is part of the China Meteorological Administration’s fleet of Fengyun satellites.

The Fengyun-3F satellite is equipped with 10 payloads for weather data collection, including instruments for tracking ozone. With a mass of 5,070 pounds at launch, it is expected to operate for approximately ten years. The satellite will contribute to climate change research, atmospheric chemistry studies, and data collection regarding the atmospheric environment.

The U.S. Space Force’s situational awareness has tracked the satellite’s orbit, which is nearly circular and located 501 miles above the Earth’s surface. The orbit has an inclination of 98 degrees and takes the satellite close to the poles. As a result, the satellite operates in a “morning orbit,” crossing the equator around 10:00 a.m. local time.

China currently leads in the number of near-Earth orbit meteorological satellites, with four satellites in different orbits. These orbits include sun-synchronous early morning, morning, afternoon, and non-sun-synchronous orbits. This achievement was noted by the World Meteorological Organization.

This launch marks China’s 32nd successful orbital launch of 2023. The country has plans to launch around 200 spacecraft using Long March rockets this year. Additionally, Chinese commercial launches will contribute to sending more satellites into space.

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