FY-1 is the 1st generation of Chinese polar-orbiting meteorological satellite. The satellite’s payload includes multi-channel scanning imager and space environment monitor. Obtaining the global weather pictures is the main mission of FY-1 satellite , which is used to the study on weather forecasting, climate and marine science.

The comprehensive detection ability, quality of infrared cloud image, ocean color and surface temperature of FY-1C and FY-1D have reached the world-class levels represented by the American meteorological satellite NOAA-14/15 in the same period.