On October 28, at the 15th Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users' Conference (AOMSUC-15) and 2025 FENGYUN (FY) Satellite User Conference (2025 FYSUC), the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) released the first set of images from FY-3H. Currently, 6 out of the 9 remote sensing instruments onboard FY-3H have been activated and are in in-orbit testing.

The first set of images have been acquired based on the observational data from some of its already-activated payloads onboard. Building on its capability for multi-element atmospheric remote sensing detection, including temperature, humidity, clouds, FY-3H will simultaneously acquire remote sensing information on global greenhouse gases, auroras, and others.

True-color image of the Antarctic captured by Medium Resolution Spectral Imager-III (MERSI-III) onboard FY-3H. Credits to the National Satellite Meteorological Centre of CMA

In terms of global observation, FY-3H maintains its optical imaging capability at the sub-100-meter level, with its spectral imager enabling multi-spectral, seamless global observations on a daily basis. Microwave instruments onboard can conduct multi-spectral global observations, thereby acquiring key parameter variables across multiple spheres of the Earth system to support core meteorological services like numerical weather prediction (NWP).

Clear-sky composite image of Asia captured by Medium Resolution Spectral Imager-III (MERSI-III) onboard FY-3H (from October 9 to 21, 2025) Credits to the National Satellite Meteorological Centre of CMA

For the typical application scenario of typhoon monitoring, FY-3H utilizes the coordinated observations of 2 advanced atmospheric vertical profiling instruments to perform a "CT scan" of the global three-dimensional atmosphere. It successfully acquired vertical temperature and humidity information within Typhoon Matmo, generating a three-dimensional (3D) vertical profile of the typhoon.

Observation of the Arctic polar vortex by the Microwave Temperature Sounder and Microwave Humidity Sounder onboard FY-3H on October 12. Credits to the National Satellite Meteorological Centre of CMA

The FY-3 series meteorological satellites also feature high-frequency polar observation capabilities. FY-3H passes over the North and South Poles 14 times a day. The Medium Resolution Spectral Imager-III (MERSI-III) captures clear true-color images of the Antarctic, showcasing details of the polar ice and snow surfaces as well as cloud cover. The Global Navigation Satellite System Radio Occultation (GNSS RO) Sounder enables the quantitative detection of polar sea ice and snow cover. The microwave temperature sounder and microwave humidity sounder successfully captured the Arctic polar vortex and the first large-scale cold wave process affecting China in October, 2025.

The first global image captured by Medium Resolution Spectral Imager-III (MERSI-III) onboard FY-3H Credits to the National Satellite Meteorological Centre of CMA

In terms of space weather monitoring, GNSS RO data of FY-3H can reconstruct the global three-dimensional electron density field, clearly presenting the electron density peak region at altitudes of 300 to 400 kilometers and the equatorial ionization anomaly with its double-peak structure. The ionospheric photometer can detect significant changes in the oxygen-to-nitrogen concentration ratio during magnetic storms, providing crucial evidence for space weather early warning.

Among the first set of released images, there are also multi-day clear-sky composite images for the Asia-Oceania region, as well as stunning ocean color images of the Central American waters in the Belt and Road Initiative partner countries.

It is reported that FY-3H will enter its trial operation in July 2026, delivering global data services.

Editor: LIU Shuqiao