China launches its first Typhoon detecting missile

BEIJING: China has successfully launched its first typhoon detecting rocket just as typhoon Mujigae hit its southern Guangdong province.

The rocket, launched from Hainan on October 3, has dropped several radiosondes into the centre of Typhoon Mujigae six minutes after the launch.

The data retrieved from this launch was very accurate, with high scientific research value, state-run People's Daily reported today.

This experiment is a breakthrough in China's rocket science, with rocket launching, radiosonde dropping and remote data retrieval achieved at the same time, it said.

The launch is collaboration between Shanghai Typhoon Institute of China Meteorological Administration and China Aerospace Science & Industry Corp.

It took three years and the support from Hainan Meteorological Service to complete this launch.

Scientists said there's great potential in applying rocket science into typhoon detection and forecast, the report said.

At least seven persons were killed and 223 others were injured when typhoon, bringing gales and downpour, made the land fall in the coastal city of Zhanjiang this week packing winds of up to 50 meters per second.