MetOp-1 satellite undergoes part 1 of Flight Acceptance Review
Following a successful test campaign and first part of the Flight Readiness Review, which was completed in July 2004, MetOp-1, the first flight model of the MetOp satellite series, is being prepared for long-term storage at the contractor premises, EADS Astrium in Friedichshafen (D) and in Toulouse (F).
The MetOp-1 satellite has recently undergone a Satellite Flight Acceptance Review (Satellite FAR-1). This is the system Level joint ESA/EUMETSAT review for assessing the results and completeness of the satellite Assembly Integration Verification (AIV) programme and the fulfilment of the required performance.
Due to a change in schedule, the MetOp-1 satellite, representing one element of the space segment of the Eumetsat Polar System, is not planned for flight until the 2010 time frame and will enter storage following its completion.
Consequently, Part 1 of the FAR review has assessed the readiness of the first MetOp satellite at the time of its entry into storage. Part 2 of the review will take place after the storage period and the completion of de-storage activities to certify MetOp-l final readiness for the launch campaign.
Due to the late delivery of some flight standard instruments, the configuration under review still incorporates some Engineering model or Non-Flight worthy elements, which will be repaired or retrofitted prior to launch and be the subject of the FAR Part 2.
The three main assemblies of the satellite, namely the Service Module (SVM), the Payload Module (PLM) and the Solar Array will be stored independently.
MetOp-1 is scheduled to go through a de-storage campaign in 2009. The payload module, service module and solar array will then be mated, the IASI instrument refitted and final tests will be performed to demonstrate flight worthiness. MetOp-1 is scheduled for launch in 2010. MetOp-1 will therefore now be called MetOp-B.
The first satellite to fly will be MetOp-A (previously called MetOp-2) which will undergo a dedicated Flight Acceptance Review (FAR2) currently scheduled for May 2005.