Fengyun 1-C Satellite in Normal OperationChina's first Fengyun 1-C meteorological satellite so far has been operating for two full years. Resources from the National Satellite Meteorological Center (NSMC) say that despite the termination of the satellite's designed lifespan, Fengyun 1-C is still in good health.Fengyun 1-C launched on May 10, 1999 is a meteorological satellite of synchronous solar orbit. Since it flies over China at about half past 8 in the morning when there are fewer clouds, thus offering it with much more chances to obtain information from the clear sky of China. Currently, the Fengyun 1-C satellite reportedly performs well as a whole, as it is in a stable posture, enjoys adequate power supply and presents a clear cloud picture. The satellite made important contribution to the extinguishing the forest fire breaking out on February 25 this year in Yajiang of Sichuan Province by providing precise information about the fire. On April 7, it got a clear picture of the sandstorm whirling from Inner Mongolia to the northeast China region, offering valuable materials for the forecasting and study of sandstorm. It is reported that the satellite has been listed as the world application satellite series by the World Meteorological Organization to provide large amounts of data for observing the meteorological and global environment for many other counties in the world. By PD Online staff member Deng Gang |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |