A new satellite is able to measure Earth's precipitation from space

Precipitation measurement on Earth has reached a new stage with the successful deployment of the FengYun 3G (FY-3G) satellite by Chinese researchers. This satellite, the first of its kind in China, collects valuable data on terrestrial precipitation from space, opening new horizons for understanding and predicting the water, energy and biogeochemistry cycles of our planet.

there China Meteorological Administration It developed and launched a satellite designed to measure rainfall on Earth using radar as it orbits in space. This is the first of two rainfall missions planned by the team to precisely measure the occurrence, type and intensity of all rainfall around the world, including complex oceans and lands.

Specifically, the FY-3G satellite is designed to evaluate the 3D precipitation profile of weather systems at Earth's mid- and low-latitudes.

The latest devices for accurate measurement

The FY-3G satellite represents the first Chinese mission to measure rainfall and the third of its kind in the world. The satellite can measure clouds, precipitation and atmospheric profiles using the satellite's built-in remote sensing suite.

Specifically, the active remote-sensing precipitation radar (PMR) works in conjunction with the MWRI-RM passive microwave imager, which has been optimized to improve the detection of light precipitation on the ground and solid forms of precipitation. The optical imager, MERSI-RM, helps other microwave instruments measure clouds and precipitation to facilitate low-orbit precipitation measurement and high-orbit infrared precipitation estimation.

The GNOS-II instrument, also on the satellite, uses variations in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data to accurately measure sea surface temperature, humidity and speed from space. The FY-3G also houses a shortwave polarized infrared multi-angle imager (PMAI) and an on-board high-resolution radiometric calibrator (HAOC).

” China successfully launches a rainfall satellite [FY-3G]The committee's test results show that its measurement performance is superior, and it is possible to obtain high-precision three-dimensional precipitation measurement information. FY-3G and GPM can form a virtual constellation in orbit, greatly improving the ability to measure and study global precipitation. Global monitoring data from FY-3G are [librement accessibles] For users around the world through Fengyun Satellite Data Center said Mr. Zhang.

Valuable data for understanding courses

As a precipitation measuring instrument, the FY-3G satellite's main instrument is the Active Precipitation Measurement Radar (PMR), which creates a 3D representation of falling precipitation. The data collected by the device can then be used to calculate the intensity and type of precipitation, improving the accuracy of measurements taken from space.

FY-3G has improved our understanding of global precipitation, which will help scientists better explain and predict the water and energy cycles on our planet. This data will be used to improve forecasting of extreme weather events and guide the development of the next generation precipitation satellite, FY-5.

The team was encouraged by the data they received from FY-3G, but more data processing work is needed to fully understand the satellite's capability and future applications.

” We will accelerate the development of a precipitation event database and precipitation dataset based on FY-3G satellite data. We also plan to improve the accuracy of quantitative reflection of precipitation by active radar and enhance the global data service of the FY-3G satellite. We will also continue to strengthen the development plan for monitoring satellites to ensure continuous monitoring of rainfall “, Mr. Zhang concluded.

Article: “FY-3G satellite instruments and precipitation products: first report of China's Fengyun on-orbit precipitation mission” – DOI: 10.34133/remote sensing.0097

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