The FY-3 new generation polar orbit weather satellite was to be equipped with new global, all-weather, multi-spectral, three-dimensional sensors. The new satellite, an improved version of the Feng Yun 1, had a resolution of 250 m and a mass of 2,200 kg with a design life of two years.

The draft project for the Chinese new generation polar orbit weather satellite Fengyun-3 (FY-3) was approved at a review meeting held on October 29-30 1998 in Beijing. The 8th Academy of China Aerospace Corporation, Shanghai Academy of Space Technology was responsible for the development of the satellite. In July 2000 it was indicated that China planned to launch ten advanced meteorological satellites into orbit in 2000-2010 to improve the accuracy of its weather and natural disaster forecasts. The Chinese Government had approved the plan to develop and launch the satellites at a cost of well over one billion dollars. The satellites, together with the five meteorological satellites still orbiting the earth, would allow China to form a complete meteorological satellite system. Six of these meteorological satellites would be orbited from 2002 to 2008 to offer comprehensive weather services for the 2008 Olympic Games. Among these would be FY-3A in 2004, FY-3B in 2006, and FY-3C in 2008.

Mass: 2,200 kg (4,800 lb).

• 2008 May 27 - FY-3A - Launch Site: Taiyuan. Launch Vehicle: CZ. Perigee: 826 km (513 mi). Apogee: 828 km (514 mi). Inclination: 98.80 deg. Period: 101.40 min.
  Polar orbiting weather satellite. The FY-3 series will replace the older FY-1 polar system.