Fengyun-2D, China's new meteorological satellite launched on Friday, has successfully entered a quasi-synchronous orbit as directed by ground-control, according to the Xi'an Satellite Control Center.

After 16 hours in outer space, Fengyun-2D received signals from the ground control at 1:25 AM on Saturday and moved into its designed orbit powered by engine ignition 42 minutes later.

The move is in preparation to move the satellite into its final geostationary orbit and complete its system tests, said the center located in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

The center will continue to maneuver the satellite positions until it's above the equator at 86.5 East Longitude.

Fengyun-2D was launched at 8:53 AM on Friday aboard a Long March-3A carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The 1.39-ton satellite, capable of carrying out infrared analysis of the form and structure of clouds, is expected to provide better weather forecast services.

China will launch another 22 meteorological satellites by 2020, including four more from the Fengyun-2 series, 12 from the Fengyun-3 series and six from Fengyun-4 series, according to the China Meteorological Administration (CMA).

(Xinhua News Agency December 10, 2006)