China has launched the new Fengyun-3E (FY-3E) meteorological satellite today, Monday, from the SLS-2 launch site at China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre.

The satellite will be used to monitor the surface of the globe, according to Chinese media reports.

It launched onboard the Long March-4C carrier rocket, which placed it into its planned orbit, marking the 377th flight mission for the Long March rocket series.

The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology has developed the rocket, making it the first meteorological satellite that launches into the dawn-dusk orbit for civil service.

Furthermore, the FY-3E will orbit Earth for eight years and monitor the atmospheric temperature and the global icecaps to handle climate change and prevent meteorological disasters. 

China sent three astronauts, last June, abroad the Shenzhou-12 spaceship to the Chinese space station that is under construction. This step makes China the third country capable of conducting independent human spaceflights.