China launches 2nd geostationary orbit weather satellite for 2008 Games

Source: Xinhuanet | 12-08-2006 14:06

XICHANG, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- China successfully launched its second geostationary orbit meteorological satellite, Fengyun-2D (FY-2D), on Friday to provide better weather forecast services for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

China launches its second geostationary orbit meteorological satellite, Fengyun-2D, in Xichang, Sichuan Province, Dec. 8, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)

The FY-2D satellite was launched into the target orbit at 8:53 a.m. aboard a Long March-3A carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

"The satellite will monitor weather changes at all the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games venues," Li Qin, chief designer of the FY-2D, told Xinhua.

"The FY-2D will provide accurate and timely information about weather changes to help us with weather forecasts during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, especially the opening and closing ceremony and important contests," he said.

The satellite separated from the rocket about 24 minutes after lift-off and then successfully entered the geosynchronous transferorbit, according to the satellite monitoring center in Xi'an.

The 1.39-ton satellite will take up a position in the next few days at 86.5 degrees east longitude right above the equator.