The EUMETSAT Satellite Programmes – a cornerstone of the space-based global observing system (Invited Presentation)

As a key part of the space based global observing system, EUMETSAT (The European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites) provides near-real time Earth observation data from geostationary and polar orbiting satellites. These satellites are part of the EUMETSAT mandatory, optional and third party programmes and carry a wide range of instruments like sounders (infrared, microwave, UVN, GNSS receivers), imagers, spectrometers, altimeters and scatterometers. In addition to the provision of near-real time data for atmosphere, ocean and land monitoring, the EUMETSAT data is used in support of climate monitoring. The implementation of the EUMETSAT programmes generally foresee series of satellites to be deployed, carrying the exactly the same instruments, and providing consistent observation for around two decades until a new generation of satellites and instruments are launched.

Today the core of the meteorological observations are provided by the geostationary Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) and EUMETSAT Polar System (EPS) programmes. The continuity of the observations provided by these missions are secured through the Meteosat Third (MTG) and EPS-Second Generation (EPS-SG) programmes with first launches in the early 2020’s with programme lifetimes until 2040 and beyond and which will also embark the Sentinel-4 and -5 instruments for atmospheric composition and air quality monitoring. With respect to ocean monitoring, EUMETSAT provides data from the Jason-satellites and operates the European Commission Copernicus Sentinel-3 mission.

This presentation gives and update on the status of these satellite programmes, recent improvements to the data and products. The product services provided by EUMETSAT are generated in a distributed application ground segment, including the EUMETSAT Satellite Application Facilities, which are now in their third Continuous Development and Operations Phase.