BackForward Satellite Programme: Feng-Yun - 4 

Programme details
Programme description
  • Series of operational meteorological satellites in geostationary orbit.  Feng-Yun means “Wind and Cloud”.
  • Follow-on of the FY-2 series.  Main developments: 3-axis stabilisation, much improved imager, hyperspectral sounder and, later, a MW sounder.
  • Developed by NRSCC and operated by CMA.
  • The design life time of the satellites is 7 years (5 for FY-4A).
  • Two positions: 86.5°E and 105°E. The replacement policy is based on mutual backup of the two satellites, and possibly a third position at 123.5°E.
  • See detailed description at: http://www.nsmc.cma.gov.cn/newsite/NSMC_EN/Channels/100099.html.
Data circulation
  • CDAS (Command and Data Acquisition Station) for real-time acquisition of the full information.
  • HRIT (High Rate Information Transmission) for near-real time broadcasting of full resolution data.
  • LRIT (Low Rate Information Transmission) for  broadcasting of image frames and other data, and Weather Alarm Information Broadcast (WAIB).
  • DCS (Data Collection Service) to relay messages from self-timed DCP (Data Collection Platform).
  • CMACast [not exclusively dedicated to FY-4 data] DVB retransmission service.
Agencies CMA , NRSCC
Programme lifetime 2016 - 2034
Associated satellites and instruments

Note: red tag => no longer operational , green tag => operational , blue tag => planned