FY-1 (Feng Yun 1) is the first generation of Chinese polar-orbiting meteorological satellites, consisting of four satellites. They were operated by the CMA (China Meteorological Administration).

The three-axis stabilized satellites carried two MVISR (Multichannel Visible and IR Scanning Radiometer) as their prime instruments. The MVISR was developed and built by SITP (Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics). It consisted of the following elements: an optical scanner, image information processor, radiant cooler, and cooler controller. For the first two experimental missions, it was a 5-channel instrument, which was doubled to 10 channels for the two operational satellites.

Based on the CAST968 bus, SJ-5 (Shi Jian) is a smallsat for space exploration and scientific experiments, representing the first use of satellite bus technology in China. It was successfully launched by a CZ-4B launch vehicle from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center on 10 May 1999. It is mainly designed for space-charged particle measurement, S-band high-speed data-link transmitter tests, large-capacity solid-state storage tests, and fluid science experiments.