The In-Orbit Performance of Chinese First FengYun Rainfall Mission FY-3G

Abstract

In April 2023, China launched its first precipitation measurement satellite, FengYun-3G (FY-3G), to accurately measure the spatial and vertical structures of precipitation in the middle and lower latitudes of Earth. Equipped with advanced instruments, including a dual-frequency precipitation radar (DPR), a microwave radiometer, a visible and infrared (IR) imager, and a radio occultation sounder with reflectometry, FY-3G is designed for simultaneous measurements of precipitation, atmospheric temperature/moisture profiles, and cloud properties while capturing land and sea imaging at the same time. Additionally, it carries a polarized multiangle imager (PMAI) as an experimental payload to enhance the understanding of cloud microphysics. Six months after its launch, FY-3G has successfully completed the in-orbit commissioning phase. The detailed evaluation of the performance and the functionality of the platform as well as the instruments is presented in this article. Calibration and validation processes are also discussed. Since the end of 2023, sensor-dependent data records have been carefully validated and made available for public use. As the first of two planned precipitation missions in the FengYun satellite series, FY-3G offers independent and high-quality data on the occurrence, type, and intensity of precipitation, complementing the current observations made by the Global Precipitation Measurement satellite. This mission is expected to significantly advance the global understanding of precipitation dynamics, mechanisms, and the water cycle.