Communications
The MSG satellite requires highly reliable communications for data transmission and circulation. The various antennas and transponder links provide:
- Down linking of SEVIRI (and GERB when applicable) raw data, plus auxiliary/ancillary information from the satellite to the Primary Ground Station PGS
- high data rate transmission of meteorological data and images, via the satellite, to the High Rate User Stations HRUS
- low data rate transmission of meteorological data and images, via the satellite, to the Low Rate User stations LRUS
- relay, via the satellite, of data from the DCP to the PGS for further distribution
- relay, through the satellite, of distress signals
- satellite monitoring and control: telemetry, tracking and command TT&C
Antennas
The antenna assembly ensures proper reception and transmission for the MSG satellite links. It is located on the upper module of the satellite, with the various radiating elements assembled in a hat-shaped fashion.
The front-end frequency selection, frequency conversion, channel filtering , intermediate frequency amplification and raw data modulation are performed in the input section.
In the output section, the power amplification by 10 W solid-state amplifiers and output multiplexing are performed.
A simple independent module has been inserted between the UHF receiver and a diplexer connected to the L-band transmit antenna for the S& R relay.
| Antenna | Type | Function | Reference coverage | Polarisation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L-band | Electronically Despun Antenna (EDA) | Raw-data transmission | Europe | Linear Horizontal |
| HRIT & LRIT transmission | Zone B | |||
| DCP transmission | Europe | |||
| S&R transmission | Europe | |||
| S/L-band | Slotted waveguide Toroidal Pattern Antenna (TPA) | HRIT & LRIT reception | Europe | Linear Horizontal |
| Raw data transmission (backup) | ||||
| UHF-band | Crossed dipoles circular array EDA | DCP reception | Full Earth | Circular Righthand |
| S& R reception | ||||
| S-band | Printed Quadrifilar TPA | Telecommand reception | Azimuth 360° | Circular |
| Telemetry transmission | Elevation 120° from North axis |
Transponders
The MCP transponder handles all relayed links, except the telemetry and telecommand links, which are carried by the TTC transponder, and the transmission chain of the raw data stream.
The front-end frequency selection, frequency conversion, channel filtering , intermediate frequency amplification and raw data modulation are performed in the input section.
In the output section, the power amplification by 10 W solid-state amplifiers and output multiplexing are performed.
A simple independent module has been inserted between the UHF receiver and a diplexer connected to the L-band transmit antenna for the S& R relay.
