# Fengyun 4A

> China's weather satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q28416546](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28416546)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fengyun-4a

## Summary
Fengyun 4A is a Chinese weather satellite launched on December 10, 2016, as part of the Fengyun satellite class. It serves as a research and test satellite for the People's Republic of China, designated as the first vessel in the Fengyun 4 series.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** December 10, 2016, at 16:11:04.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Long March 3B orbital carrier rocket.
- **Launch Site:** Xichang Satellite Launch Center.
- **Classification:** Part of the Fengyun class of weather satellites.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 41882.
- **COSPAR ID:** 2016-077A.
- **Primary Function:** Meteorological research and testing (科研试验卫星).
- **Successor:** Followed by the Fengyun 4B satellite.
- **Country of Origin:** People's Republic of China.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of Fengyun 4A?
A: Fengyun 4A is a weather satellite used by the People's Republic of China for meteorological observation. It is specifically designated as a research and test satellite (科研试验卫星) within the Fengyun 4 series.

### Q: When and how was Fengyun 4A launched?
A: The satellite was launched on December 10, 2016, at 16:11:04 UTC. It was carried into orbit by a Long March 3B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

### Q: What are the alternative names for Fengyun 4A?
A: It is also known as Fengyun 4-01, 风云四号A气象卫星, 风云四号01星, and the Fengyun 4 Research and Test Satellite.

### Q: Which satellite succeeded Fengyun 4A?
A: Fengyun 4A is succeeded in its series by Fengyun 4B, another Chinese weather satellite.

## Why It Matters
Fengyun 4A represents a significant development in China's meteorological infrastructure as the inaugural satellite of the Fengyun 4 generation. Launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, it serves as a critical research and test platform for the country's weather monitoring capabilities. As part of the broader Fengyun class, it contributes to the atmospheric data collection network managed by the People's Republic of China.

The satellite's deployment via the Long March 3B carrier rocket highlights the integration of China's heavy-lift launch technology with its scientific satellite programs. By operating under the COSPAR ID 2016-077A and SCN 41882, Fengyun 4A provides the foundational data and technical validation necessary for subsequent operational models in the series, such as Fengyun 4B. Its role as a "research and test" vessel indicates its importance in verifying new meteorological technologies before they are fully standardized for long-term weather forecasting and environmental monitoring.

## Notable For
- **Series Pioneer:** It is the first satellite of the Fengyun 4 series, often referred to as Fengyun 4-01.
- **Technical Designation:** Specifically categorized as a research and test satellite (科研试验卫星) rather than a purely operational one.
- **Launch Platform:** Utilized the Long March 3B, a prominent Chinese orbital carrier rocket, for its deployment.
- **Identification Codes:** Recognized globally by the COSPAR ID 2016-077A and the Satellite Catalog Number 41882.

## Body

### Launch and Identification
Fengyun 4A was successfully launched on December 10, 2016. The launch occurred at 16:11:04 UTC from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China. The mission utilized a Long March 3B orbital carrier rocket to place the satellite into orbit. 

Technical identifiers for the satellite include:
- **COSPAR ID:** 2016-077A
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number):** 41882
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/11c5xpgqwl
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "41882"]

### Classification and Series
The satellite belongs to the Fengyun class, which encompasses China's fleet of weather satellites. Within this class, Fengyun 4A is the first iteration of the Fengyun 4 generation. It is succeeded by Fengyun 4B. While its primary role is meteorological, it is officially classified as a research and test satellite (科研试验卫星).

### Nomenclature and Aliases
Fengyun 4A is referred to by several names in both English and Chinese:
- **English Aliases:** Fengyun 4-01, Fengyun 4A Research and Test Satellite.
- **Chinese Aliases:** 风云四号A气象卫星 (Fengyun No. 4A Meteorological Satellite), 风云四号01星 (Fengyun No. 4 01 Satellite), and 风云四号科研试验卫星 (Fengyun No. 4 Research and Test Satellite).

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report