China launches meteorological satellite Fengyun-II 08

A Long March-3A rocket carrying meteorological satellite Fengyun-II 08 blasts off from the launching pad at Xichang Satellite Launch Center, southwest China's Sichuan province, Dec 31, 2014. Wednesday's launch marked the 203rd mission for the Long March rocket family. (Xinhua/Liu Chan)

China successfully launched Fengyun-II 08, its meteorological satellite, at 9:02 am on Wednesday from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan province.

The satellite will collect meteorological, maritime and hydrological data; and transmit information that will be used for weather forecasting and environment monitoring.

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 Corp.

Today was the 203rd time a Long March rocket has been launch.

The previous satellite, Fengyun-II 07, to be sent into space was launched on Jan 13, 2012, and works well in orbit.