FengYun virtual constellation (FengYun+): requirement, concept, development and prospect of Chinese meteorological small satellites

FengYun meteorological satellites, as the major components of the world’s earth observation constellations, play a crucial role in global meteorological monitoring, yet they are confronted with increasing demands driven by technological progress and higher user expectations. Meanwhile, small satellite constellations have demonstrated remarkable potential in enhancing meteorological observation capabilities through rapid deployment, cost efficiency, and high-density observations. This study introduces FengYun virtual constellation, namely ‘FengYun+’, an integrated system that consists existing FengYun backbone satellites with complementary small satellites. The small satellite framework is designed to fulfill three main goals: new technology verification, thematic earth system observation, and networked collaborative observation. These small satellites encounter key technological challenges related to miniaturization, systematization, rapid processing, and standardization across satellite platforms, payloads, inter-satellite interconnection, and data processing. The collaborative architecture of the virtual constellation, enabled by inter-satellite connectivity, dynamic task allocation, and AI-enhanced processing, supports multi-element, high-frequency, and near real-time global meteorological services. Collaboration with international programs ensures alignment with global meteorological constellation. FengYun+ will advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Early Warnings Initiatives of United Nations (UN) by delivering critical data for weather prediction, climate research, and disaster mitigation.