China plans to launch its second weather satellite called "Fengyun-2" from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Southwest China's Sichuan Province this October.

Sources with the Chinese Academy of Sciences say that as a geosynchronous orbit satellite, "Fengyun-2" will be located 36,000 kilometers above the earth.

It will observe weather in the Asia-Pacific region and provide satellite images to countries throughout the world.

The satellite will also provide data for the forecasting of conditions such as fog, sandstorms and drought.

China is also developing Fengyun-3 and Fengyun-4 satellites.

(CRI August 26, 2004)