The European Meteosat

Abstract

In 1972, eight member states of the European Space Research Organization (ESRO) decided to work on a program for the development of pre-operatioal geostationary meteorological satellites (Meteosat). Execution of the program was entrusted to the organization now known as the European Space Agency (ESA). Subsequently, ESA was charged with operation of the resulting spacecraft, of which two models (F1 and F2) were launched (in 1977 and 1981). However, ESRO still intended to establish a community responsible for setting up a system of meteorological spacecraft derived from the original Meteosat. In Geneva on May 24, 1983, 12 countries signed a convention creating the international organization known as EUMETSAT to establish, maintain, and operate systems of operational satellites. The first was to be a continuation of the Meteosat pre-operational program. Four other countries signed later. EUMETSAT will rely on ESA to carry out the program. The Meteosat Operational Program is composed of three satellites, to be launched in early 1989, early 1990, and 1992. The program will fulfill five missions.