XICHANG, Sichuan, Dec. 31 -- China successfully launched Fengyun-II 08, its meteorological satellite, at 9:02 a.m. on Wednesday from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The satellite will collect meteorological, maritime and hydrological data; and transmit information that will be used for weather forecasting and environment monitoring.

Both the Long March 3A rocket, which was used to propel the satellite into space, and the satellite were made by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp.

Today was the 203rd time a Long March rocket has been launch.

The previous satellite, Fengyun-II 07, to be sent into space was launched on Jan. 13, 2012, and works well in orbit.