China launches new geostationary weather satellite

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-23-2008 13:15

China has launched its third geo-stationary meteorological satellite, the Fengyun-02-06. It was sent up on a Long March-3A carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan Province on Tuesday morning.

China's third geostationary meteorological  satellite, the Fengyun-2-06, is launched on a  Long March-3A carrier rocket at the Xichang  Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's  Sichuan Province, Dec. 23, 2008. (Xinhua/Li Gang Photo)

The satellite was launched on a Long March-3A carrier rocket from the Xichang

The 1,390-kilogram satellite entered its preset orbit 24 minutes later. It is able to acquire data from the ground, the ocean and space for the China Meteorological Administration.

The Fengyun-02-06 is a successor to the Fengyun-02-04 and -05 series of satellites, and will play an important role in weather forecasting and disaster reduction for China and neighboring countries. It will also help enhance China's cooperation with International meteorological organizations.