Track METEOSAT 1 Satellite in Real Time
Detailed information about METEOSAT 1 satellite
Designator id: 1977-108A
Description of METEOSAT 1 Satellite:
Meteosat 1 was a geostationary spacecraft that served as part of European Space Agency's (ESA) contribution to the Global Atmospheric Research Program (GARP). As part of GARP, the satellite helped to supply data required for global data sets used in improvement of machine weather forecasts. In general, the spacecraft design, instrumentation, and operation were similar to SMS/GOES. The spin-stabilized spacecraft carried (1) a visible-IR radiometer to provide high-quality day/night cloudcover data and to take radiance temperatures of the earth/atmosphere system, and (2) a meteorological data collection system to disseminate image data to user stations, to collect data from various earth-based platforms, and to relay data from polar-orbiting satellites. The cylindrically shaped spacecraft measured 210 cm in diameter and 430 cm in length, including the apogee boost motor. The primary structural members were an equipment platform and a central tube. The radiometer telescope was mounted on the equipment platform and viewed the earth through a special aperture in the side of the spacecraft. A support structure extended radially out from the central tube and was affixed to the solar panels, which formed the outer walls of the spacecraft and provided the primary source of electrical power. Located in the annulus-shaped space between the central tube and the solar panels were station-keeping and dynamics control equipment and batteries. Proper spacecraft attitude and spin rate (approximately 100 rpm) were maintained by jet thrusters mounted on the spacecraft and activated by ground command. The spacecraft used both UHF-band and S-band frequencies in its telemetry and command subsystems. A low-power VHF transponder provided telemetry and command during launch and then served as a backup for the primary subsystem once the spacecraft attained synchronous orbit. Meteosat 1 was originally placed in a geosynchronous orbit near the prime meridian and was positioned later between 9 and 11 deg E.
1 10489U 77108A 12338.60174106 .00000107 00000-0 10000-3 0 5007 2 10489 014.0870 338.8442 0012136 328.3172 031.6063 01.00175067 87691