The Past, Present, and Future of Geostationary Meteorological Satellites: A Review

With the continuous development of remote-sensing technology, the capabilities and applications of geostationary meteorological satellites have gradually expanded. They play an important role in monitoring climate change, promoting the formulation of environmental protection policies, and reducing the damage caused by natural disasters. This study investigated the current state and emerging trends in geostationary meteorological satellite research. We systematically reviewed the developmental history of these satellites across various countries and performed a comparative analysis of their status over different periods. Using bibliometric methods, this study revealed the knowledge structure of the field and forecasted future trends. Key findings indicate that geostationary satellites have evolved through three generations, improving from spin to three-axis stabilization, and transitioning from single payloads to multiple instruments. Since 1990, a significant growth in publications and citations has been observed, particularly in the United States and China, reflecting increased global cooperation. The co-citation analysis identified 19 clusters, with machine learning emerging as a prominent focus. Over the last 65 years, research has shifted from theoretical analysis to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, with leading regions transitioning from the United States and European Union to China. This study suggests four critical directions for future exploration: leveraging AI, enhancing weather analysis capabilities, utilizing multi-satellite data, and exploring ecological monitoring applications. This study offers valuable insights to researchers and policymakers by providing a comprehensive overview of the development and prospects within the field.