MSG 2 (Meteosat 9)

ESA

Spacecraft nº:

ESA spacecraft nº: 60

Launch data:

Designation	28912 / 05049B
Launch date	21 Dec 2005 - 22:33 UT
Launch site	Ko, ELA-3
Launch vehicle	Ariane-5GS (V169)
Mission	Weather
Geostationary orbit on:
Perigee / Apogee	35780 x 35793 km
Inclination	1.7°
Period	1436.1 min

Spacecraft data:

Prime contractor	Alcatel Space
Operator	ESA, EUMETSAT
Platform
Mass at launch	2000 kg
Dry Mass	kg
Basic shape
Dimension
Solar array
Equipment	SERVIRI, GERB
Stabilisation	Spin stabilized
Propulsion	2 S400
Design lifetime

MSG-2 and its payload adapter (ACU) moved onto the CCU-2 (payload transport container).
Credits: ESA/MSG Team

Description:

Credits: Alcatel Espace

Satellite propulsion:

The MSG propulsion system inherits the unified bi-propellant system already proven on communication satellites and some scientific missions. It includes:
- 4 propellant tanks providing a large storage capacity (up to 965 kg of propellant)
- 2 helium pressurant tanks
- 2 liquid fuelled apogee motors each giving 400 N thrust for apogee manoeuvres in transfer/drift orbits
- 6 reaction-control thrusters for fine orbital manoeuvres, attitude acquisition and maintenance

Satellite Attitude and Orbit Control System AOCS:

The MSG AOCS is designed on a minimum-complexity basis. It takes full advantage of the Meteosat experience, and the fact that the spinner concept provides gyroscopic stability. The onboard real time operations provide:
- attitude sensor processing and spin rate determination
- attitude and orbit manoeuvre synchronization
- active nutation damping
The sensors comprise Sun slit sensors, Earth horizon crossing sensors, and accelerometers.

Solar panels:

Installation of the eight Solar Arrays Panels (SAP) on MSG-2 at Europe′s Spaceport.
Credits: ESA/MSG Team

The MSG solar array is built from eight curved panels (2.4 m high and 1.25 m wide) linked in a drum skirt around the satellite body. One of the panels has a cut-out for the instrument aperture. The array is dimensioned to deliver about 720 W of power at equinox after seven years in orbit. Two Nickel-Cadmium batteries are available for eclipse periods.

Astrophilately covers:

Launch cancel Kourou.

Headquarter cancel Paris.

Credit covers: J.VdDr.

Ref.: #7, #66, #207, #415 - update: 13.01.20

Home