ESA - Meteosat Second Generation - Why we need MSG

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Why we need MSG

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Credits: ESA

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The core instrument on board MSG is called SEVIRI

Meteorological satellites 'sense' the Earth in different spectral bands. The infrared channel, for example, creates images based on the heat emitted by clouds and the surface of the Earth and is used for day and night imagery. Meteosat Second Generation will provide eight different sets of infrared imagery, all of them being indicators of weather and climate processes.

Credits: EUMETSAT 2002

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Integration of the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infra-Red Imager (SEVIRI) for the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) spacecraft at Marconi Space, France. Photo: ESA/Matra Marconi Space, 1998

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In addition to its sophisticated imaging radiometer, Meteosat Second Generation (MSG), is equipped with an instrument for climate research. The Geostationary Earth Radiation Budget (GERB) instrument helps environment experts study the radiation balance at the top of the atmosphere, its changes over a given period and its potential influence on the climate.

Credits: ESA/MSG Team

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Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) is equipped with a supplementary search and rescue (S&R) transponder. This instrument receives any signal that is emitted on the international S&R frequency 406 MHz. Ships, aircraft and even mountaineers carry small devices that can emit an alert signal in case of emergency. The signal received by MSG is retransmitted to ground stations, where other satellites and ground stations are tuned in to localise the source. This makes rescue operations possible at sea and in sparsely populated areas.

The Cospas Sarsat system, run by 34 countries, is handling search and rescue operations worldwide. The search and rescue transponder on MSG is a small, 1.5 kg unit, using the satellites' communication payload for signal reception and transmission.

Credits: Marine Nationale 2002

Last update: 28 November 2005