40^th Anniversary of Fengyun Meteorological Satellites: Evolution in View of the International Development

With 40 years' huge efforts, China has successfully developed both polar and geostationary meteorological satellite series, and put them into operational use. This article reviews the significant historical events along with the stages of meteorological satellite development in the world, outlines the development of Chinese Fengyun meteorological satellites in the scope of international views, and compares Fengyun’s technical level with that in advanced countries. In addition, it briefly introduces the applications of meteorological satellite data in weather, climate, natural disasters and environmental monitoring, and in the agriculture service.