China's new polar orbiting meteorological satellite, Fengyun 3A and its ground application system, started business runs on Tuesday, said China Meteorological Administration (CMA).

The CMA said it would actively sell data and services provided by the satellite to domestic and overseas users. It supplies a wide range of information in areas including meteorology, sea, water conservation, transportation, agriculture, forestry and aviation.

The satellite has been operating smoothly for four months after being sent into orbit on May 27, said CMA head Zheng Guoguang.

Being an important provider of meteorological information, the satellite played a key role during the 2008 Olympics, according to the CMA. It provided detailed mapping of the algae outbreak at the sailing competition site in Qingdao, and closely monitored typhoons during the flood season.

Fengyun 3A is listed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as a global earth observation satellite, which provides 24-hour observation of air, sea and ground environment of the planet.

(Xinhua News Agency November 19, 2008)