China launches meteorological satellite

China Wednesday launched a meteorological satellite from Sichuan province.

The satellite "Fengyun-II 08" will collect meteorological, maritime and hydrological data and transmit information that will be used for weather forecasting and environment monitoring, Xinhua reported.

Both the "Long March 3A" rocket, which was used to propel the satellite into space, and the satellite were made by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

The previous satellite, "Fengyun-II 07", was launched Jan 13, 2012.