A

David

Darling

Meteosat

Meteosat-8

Meteosat-8.


Meteosat is a series of European geostationary weather satellites developed in conjunction with GARP (Global Atmospheric Research Program). Although ESA (European Space Agency) originated and continues to control the Meteosat network, Eumetsat (European Organization for Meteorological Satellites), created in 1981–1986, has overall responsibility for the system.

 

The main goal of the Meteosats is to supply 24-hour, visible and infrared cloud cover and radiance data. Three pre-operational craft were launched in 1977–1988 before the Meteosat Operational Program (MOP) began with the launch of Meteosat 4. Meteosat satellites closely resemble their American and Japanese counterparts. Each measures about 3 × 2.1 meters and has an on-orbit dry mass of 320 kilograms.

 

spacecraft launch date launch vehicle launch site GSO location
Meteosat 1 Nov 23, 1977 Delta 2914 Cape Canaveral 0° E
Meteosat 2 Jun 19, 1981 Ariane 1 Kourou 0° E
Meteosat 3 Jun 15, 1988 Ariane 44LP Kourou 0° E
Meteosat 4 Mar 6, 1989 Ariane 44LP Kourou 0° E
Meteosat 5 Jun 15, 1988 Ariane 44LP Kourou 4° E
Meteosat 6 Nov 15, 1993 Ariane 44LP Kourou 0° E
Meteosat 7 Sep 2, 1997 Ariane 44LP Kourou 10° W
Meteosat 8 Aug 28, 2002 Ariane V155 Kourou  
Meteosat 9 Dec 28, 2005 Ariane V169 Kourou 0.5°E