China has successfully unveiled its FENGYUN Space Weather system on 24 April 2025 during the Space Day of China, commemorating the launch of Dongfanghong-1, the region’s first satellite. The FENGYUN meteorological satellite was launched back in 1988 and the new-generation system helps to upgrade its functionality.
China Steps Up Its Space Weather Monitoring Efforts
Just like here on Earth, there are different weather conditions in space which can affect the performance of satellites in orbit. Various space agencies worldwide have launched missions to better understand the different weather conditions in space.
China, on its part, is now stepping up its game regarding the monitoring of the weather conditions in space. The new FENGYUN Space Weather system is here to help the region improve its space weather monitoring and early warning capabilities.
This new system uses data processing, storage, analytical applications, and comprehensive visualisation. Regarding its technical architecture, we learn that this new system uses a “cloud + client” model.
In simpler terms, the new FENGYUN system first collects, processes, and analyses data in the cloud. Then it transmits this data to ground terminals, where the implementation of operational display and interactive services takes place.
The system also relies on functions like monitoring data acquisition, forecast analysis, numerical weather prediction (NWP), and impact assessment. CMA says the system will provide “space weather forecasts for solar activities, interplanetary, magnetosphere, ionosphere, and thermosphere.”
China Will Rely On The New FENGYUN Space Weather System For Future Missions
The brains behind this new space weather monitoring system from China are the National Satellite Meteorological Centre (National Centre for Space Weather) of CMA. They designed this system to handle a massive flow of information with a high level of coordination on FENGYUN.
This will ensure that the forecast readings from the FENGYUN Space Weather system are accurate. China will be able to rely on the data from this system to determine space weather, hence planning its space missions accordingly.
Recently, we have seen various advancements in the Chinese space industry geared towards space exploration. This new system is one of such advancements that might give China an edge in the global space race.
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