Annex I System Description
1. General
The European Meteorological Satellite System
will continue the preoperational METEOSAT programme of geostationary
satellites. The nominal position of the satellite will be over the O° meridian.
The system will comprise a space segment and a ground segment. The design of
the spacecraft will be based on that of METEOSAT. The ground segment will also
make use of the experience gained during the preoperational METEOSAT programme
and will provide for the tracking and control of the spacecraft and for central
processing of the data.
2. Functional
Description
2.1. Space segment
The satellite will be equipped with the
following capabilities:
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Imagery in three spectral regions, visible,
infra-red atmospheric window, infra-red water vapour band.
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Dissemination of images and other data on
two channels each capable of transmitting digital or analogue data to users
stations.
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Collection of data transmitted from in situ
measuring stations.
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Distribution of meteorological data to earth
stations.
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2.2. Ground segment
The ground segment will provide the following
functions, most of which have to be performed in near real-time to meet
meteorological requirement,
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Control, monitoring and operational use of
one active satellite.
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Possibility of controlling a second
satellite not in operation.
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Reception and preprocessing of image data.
Preprocessing is the process of determining and adjusting for radiometric and
geometric variations in the raw data. It will comprise as a minimum, mutual
registration of the different channels, calibration of the infra-red
atmospheric window channel, image localization.
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Dissemination of preprocessed images to
primary (PDUS) and secondary (SDUS) user stations.
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Dissemination through the satellite of
miscellaneous data including administrative messages and charts supplied from
meteorological services.
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Dissemination of images from other
meteorological satellites.
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Acquisition and limited processing of
messages from in situ measuring stations (Data Collection Platforms [DCP])
and their dissemination. Dissemination of these messages will include both
input to the meteorological Global Telecommunication System and transmission
through the satellite to users stations. (These transmissions will be in
addition to the other transmissions listed in this section).
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Extraction of quantitative meteorological
data, including wind vectors; other data needed for operational meteorology,
such as sea surface temperature, upper tropospheric humidity, cloud amount
and height; and a data set suitable for climatological purposes.
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Archiving in digital form of all available
images for a sliding period of at least five months and of all the produced
elaborated meteorological information permanently.
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Archiving on photographic film of at least 2
full disc images each day.
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Retrieval of archived information.
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Production and distribution of documentation
including for instance an image catalogue and a system users' guide.
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Quality control of products and
transmissions.
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3. Technical
performance
3.1. Space segment
The detailed performance specification for the
spacecraft will be decided by the Council but will not be inferior to the
specification for the preoperational METEOSATs except that the facility for "interrogating"
data collection platforms through a dedicated down-link will be omitted.
The following improvements are foreseen:
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Improved lifetime as regards electric power
and propellant.
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Improved reliability of radiometer and
electronics.
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Water vapour channel to be brought to the
same standard of design and manufacture as the other two channels; noise
(interference) to be reduced.
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Simultaneous operation of the infra-red
window channel, the water vapour channel and both visible channels.
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"In flight" calibration of the water vapour
channel.
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Temperature control of calibrating black
body.
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Modification of transponder to allow for
distribution of digital data to earth stations in addition to preoperational
METEOSAT functions.
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3.2. Ground segment
The technical performance for the functions
listed in 2.2. shall at least be that of the preoperational system. The system
will, however, be updated with the aim of improving reliability and reducing
operating costs.
4. Bridging
activities
The operation of the existing system,
including METEOSAT F1 and F2 and the satellite P2 (if launched within the
framework of the preoperational programme) will also be incorporated with the
operational programme with effect from 24 November 1983.
5. Launch
Schedule
5.1. The operational programme will cover the
procurement of components and building of sub-units necessary for three new
flight models (MO1, MO2, MO3) and one spare.
Only one integration team will be used and the
spacecraft will be integrated sequentially.
MO1 will be launched when ready, in principle
in the first half of 1987.
MO2 will be launched about one and a half
years later, in principle in the second half of 1988.
MO3 will be launched in principle in the
second half of 1990.
This launch date could be moved as warranted
by the status of the programme and the availability of launchers at decision
time.
Insurance of the launches of MO1 and MO2 will
be arranged in order to allow for integration and launch of an additional flight
unit if necessary.
5.2. The maximum amount referred to in Annex
II assumes that all launches will share a dual launch on ARIANE. The Council
may decide by unanimous vote to use single launches if the programme requires
it.
6. Duration
of the programme
The use of the operational satellites
resulting from the tentative schedule is expected to be 8.5 years starting with
the launch of MO1 in 1986/1987. In addition there will be bridging activities
using existing satellites and providing operation of those satellites (F1, F2,
P2) as available during the period from 24 November 1983 until the launch of
MO1 in 1986/1987. The expected overall duration of the programme is 12.5 years
from beginning 1983 until mid 1995.
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