At 13:00 of January 8, National Satellite Meteorological Centre (NSMC) of China Meteorological Administration (CMA) successfully acquired the first satellite visible image of FY-2G. The image is quite clear and in focus.

"Compared with FY-2F satellite, the FY-2G further suppresses the stray light of satellite imagery and significantly improve the imagery quality. The first satellite visible imagery of FY-2G is the clearest imagery made by the series of FY satellites. It shows that the communication link between satellite and ground is opened up, the system is well-matched and the instruments of the satellite are working properly." Said by Yang Jun, the director of NSMC.

Based on the technology of FY-2 F satellite, the FY-2G satellite has been improved from three aspects: reducing infrared stray radiation, uplifting observation frequency for the blackbody, and improving telemetry resolution of optical components. These improvements will advance the retrieval accuracy of FY-2G satellite quantitative products, and enhance the quantitative application of satellite data products.

It is reported the FY-2G satellite was launched at 9:02 a.m. on December 31, 2014, from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan Province. The satellite will collect meteorological, maritime and hydrological data and transmit information that will be used for weather forecasting and environment monitoring. (Jan. 9)

Editor Shi Long