Fengyun-2E, Fengyun-2F, Fengyun-2G and Fengyun-2H are scheduled to be launched in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014 respectively, said a CMA official.

The first two experimental models in the Fengyun-3 series, a new generation of polar-orbiting satellites, will be launched in 2007 and 2009. The other 10 will go into orbit from 2011 to 2018, the official said.

China will launch two experimental geostationary orbit Fengyun-4 models followed by four Fengyun-4 satellites from 2012 to 2019, he said.

The FY-2D is expected to provide accurate and timely information about weather changes for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, especially the opening and closing ceremony and important contests.

The FY-2D, developed and manufactured by the Shanghai Academy of Space flight Technology affiliated to China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp., is capable of carrying out infrared nephanalysis of the form and structure of clouds and can also an alyse data about visible daytime light.

It will form a twin-star observation system with Fengyun-2C, China's first professional geostationary orbit weather satellite which went into orbit on Oct. 19, 2004, according to CMA.

The two satellites have their own observation tasks, but can also replace each other if one of them malfunctions, the CMA said.

related report

Backgrounder: the history of China's Fengyun weather sat
Beijing (XNA) Dec 11, 2006 - China on Friday successfully launched its second professional geostationary orbit meteorological satellite, Fengyun-2D (FY-2D), to provide better weather forecast services for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Fengyun-2D is the eighth meteorological satellite launched in China. The first seven include four Fengyun-1 polar orbit meteorological satellites and three Fengyun-2 series geostationary orbit meteorological satellites. The launch dates and sites are as follows:

-- Fengyun-1A, launched 7 September 1988, in Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, north China's Shanxi Province.

-- Fengyun-1B, launched 3 September 1990, in Taiyuan.

-- Fengyun-2A, launched 10 June 1997, in Xichang Satellite Launch Center, southwest China's Sichuan Province.

-- Fengyun-1C, launched 10 May 1999, in Taiyuan.

-- Fengyun-2B, launched 25 June 2000, in Xichang.

-- Fengyun-1D, launched 15 May 2002, in Taiyuan.

-- Fengyun-2C, launched 19 October 2004, in Xichang.

Fengyun-2D is a backup satellite for Fengyun-2C, the first professional geostationary orbit weather satellite in China. They can operate together on an enlarged monitoring areas in order to minimize potential losses from very severe weather.

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