FY3C

FY3C is a Chinese meteorological satellite. It is the third satellite in China's Fengyun (FY) series of geostationary meteorological satellites. Launched on September 23, 2014, from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, FY3C is a polar-orbiting satellite, meaning it orbits the Earth from pole to pole. This allows it to observe the entire planet's surface over a period of time.

The primary mission of FY3C is to provide global meteorological data for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and disaster prevention. It carries a suite of advanced instruments designed to measure various atmospheric parameters. These include infrared and microwave sounders for temperature and humidity profiles, a visible and near-infrared radiometer for cloud and surface observations, and a specialized instrument for monitoring atmospheric aerosols and ozone.

FY3C plays a crucial role in improving the accuracy of weather predictions, particularly for regions that are not covered by geostationary satellites. Its data is used by meteorological agencies worldwide to understand weather patterns, track severe weather events, and study long-term climate trends. The satellite is a significant component of China's contribution to international meteorological cooperation and the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). Its operational status and data dissemination are managed by the China Meteorological Administration.