China sends new-generation meteorological satellite into space

China on Thursday said it has sent a new generation meteorological satellite into space.

The country’s indigenously-built Long March-3B rocket carried the satellite, named Fengyun-4B (FY-4B), into the planned orbit from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China’s southwestern Sichuan province, state-run Xinhua News reported.

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The report said FY-4B will be used in the fields of weather analysis and forecasting, and environmental and disaster monitoring.

It was the 372nd flight mission of the Long March rocket series.

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The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology developed the satellite while the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology produced the rocket – the two subsidiaries of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

China Meteorological Administration will be controlling the construction and operation of the satellite's ground application system.