Meteosat Second Generation (MSG), a joint project between the European Space Agency and Eumetsat, the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites, is the upgrade replacement for the existing Meteosat satellite system that has delivered continuous, reliable meteorological image data since 1977. MSG consists of a ground segment and three satellites, the first of which was launched in summer 2002 and the second in December 2005.
Astrium has responsibility for major subsystems in this programme, including power supply, attitude and orbit control and the propulsion system, and also for the development of the SEVIRI instrument (Spinning Enhanced Visible and InfraRed Imager), an advanced follow-on of the seven radiometers built by Astrium for the first generation of Meteosat satellites. Detecting 12 spectral ranges as opposed to the three of the first-generation radiometers, it has a resolution factor three times higher than that previously available, and provides a complete image of the Earth every 15 minutes – twice as fast as the previous satellites. In 2004, Meteosat users declared the SEVIRI instrument the benchmark in the field of geostationary imaging.
By enabling fast, accurate weather forecasting MSG is making a significant contribution to greater worldwide safety; its frequently transmitted, comprehensive data help meteorologists to rapidly identify dangerous weather phenomena. Violent windstorms, which can have devastating results, are just one example – this new generation MSG is able to detect very small but very intense depressions, indications of the earliest stages of windstorm development, and hence allow more time to put in place efficient response measures.
