First Metop Satellite in Orbit Start of the EPS Mission
- Paper number
IAC-07-B1.1.05
- Author
Dr. Marc Cohen, Eumetsat, Germany
- Year
2007
- Abstract
The EUMETSAT Polar System (EPS) consists of the Metop space segment and of the corresponding EUMETSAT Ground Segment infrastructure. It is the European contribution to the Initial Joint Polar system (IJPS) established jointly with NOAA. This paper first describes the EPS mission to support operational meteorology with Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite data. Then, the functions and services provided by the EPS System and its role within the Initial Joint Polar System are presented. The general architecture of the system, identifying the main components is described, together with key performance figures and dimensioning parameters. Finally, following the successful launch of the first Metop satellite, Metop-A, from Baikonur on the 19 Oct. 2006, the start of the EPS mission is described, and the timeline of the early operations (Launch, LEOP, Commissioning), and the establishment of the first operational products and services are explained. The global performances of the EPS system are also shown.
- Abstract document