Meteorological satellites are also grouped in the category of earth observation satellites. They are used primarily to observe meteorological events occurring in the earth’s atmosphere. The satellite data is combined with measured values recorded on the earth to provide a short-term and medium-term forecast. Meteorological satellites are used to gather meteorological data over the world’s oceans and uninhabited areas. Advanced observation satellites can also provide information about clouds over the continents and permit forecasts to be made about temperature trends. The latest me-teorological satellites transmit an up-to-date image of the situation on earth every five to 30 minutes. This allows the familiar satellite film to be reproduced in the media.
The meteorological satellites are stationed in two different orbits: geostationary orbit or on the polar orbit. The geostationary “weather frogs” are stationed at a fixed point over the equator at an altitude of 38,000 km and only cover a specified section of the earth. The meteorological satellites orbit above the poles and fly at an altitude of 800 km. These satellites take 100 minutes to orbit the earth and an image of the entire earth’s surface can be taken within the space of twelve hours.
TIROS (Television and Infrared Observation Satellite) was the first meteorological satellite from the USA, launched in 1960. This was the first time that a television camera had been carried for direct transmission of images on board.
Since 1977, Europe has also been operating with its own independent meteorological satellites. The Meteosat Series created an independent space-supported meteorological service for Europe. The satellites are operated by the Eumetsat organization.
The satellites were primarily developed by EADS and its predecessor companies in Germany and France. A total of nine Meteosat satellites has been launched to date. Meteosat 8 and 9 are new-generation MSG satellites (Meteosat Second Generation).
Since October 2006, the new MetOp meteorological satellite has been in earth orbit. It is a combined spacecraft that provides medium-term weather forecasts and is also used for climate research and environmental protection. The satellite was commissioned by ESA and Eumetsat and built by Astrium as the prime contractor.
