Launch and early orbit phase
Once in space, the satelliets undergo a Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP), during which the various elements making up the satellite's platform are gradually switched on and assessed for proper functioning. At the same time the satellite is gradually steered into its final orbit.
This thorough check-out of systems is necessary before the satellite is put into operational service. In the case of the main SEVIRI imager, its scanning mechanism is locked in advance of launch, so needs to be safely unlocked. Then a decontamination exercise carried out before the first images are acquired then assessed for quality, with subsequent rectification carried out as needed.
Any system performance anomalies can be detected and investigated so that solutions could be put in place to limit their consequences.
LEOP was overseen by ESA's European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany, under Eumetsat contract.
ESA's team in ESOC is now ensuring that MSG-3's voyage from the time it separated from Ariane 5 until it reaches geostationary orbit goes smoothly.
Last update: 6 July 2012
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