Antenna sub-system for Meteosat second generation satellites: modeling tools and needs

The Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) program concerns the launch and operation of three new satellites. The MSG continues meteorological services, which are currently provided by the very successful first generation of satellites (Meteosat Operational Program-MOP), operated by Eumetsat. The MSG expands on services offered by MPO by providing more frequently data in more observation bands, with higher resolution. A telecommunication system on-board the MSG satellite transmits measured data to the primary ground station and receives and re-transmits pre-processed images and meteorological data as received from the latter station. Meteorological data are collected from data collection platforms. The MSG satellite carries a search and rescue transponder. The antenna sub-system has been specifically designed for the telecommunication functions and permits appropriate data throughput with the satellite spinning at a rate of 100 revolutions per minute. The antenna sub-system for the MSG is described, after a short general description