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Plan of Operation for MTSAT-2

May 20, 2010

  This page informs MTSAT users about meteorological mission operation plan after the switchover of the observation function to MTSAT-2 from MTSAT-1R. 

1.Switchover of observation function

 As already stated in the previous announcement, HRIT / LRIT images are observed from MTSAT-2 on  and after July 1, 2010  at 0230 UTC (F03).

Reference

• April 23, 2010 Switchover of Meteorological Mission

2. Operation of Meteorological Mission

  Orbital position of MTSAT-2 and MTSAT-1R is not changed after switchover. Therefore satellite images are captured from 145°E by MTSAT-2. Since image dissemination and DCP data relay mission is still performed by MTSAT-1R on 140°E, so it is unnecessary for MDSU/SDUS users and DCPs to adjust their antennas pointing to MTSAT-2.

3. Satellite Image by MTSAT-2

• 3.1 HRIT dissemination

 Images disseminated by HRIT are produced with minimal conversion from observed data, the center point of the images are same as the position of observation satellite, which is 145°E for MTSAT-2 and 140°E for MTSAT-1R.
 To identify which satellite capture the image by disseminated HRIT data, HRIT header information is applicable. In HRIT header type #2 "Image Navigation" , Projection_name shows the center point of the image with character string depending on satellite such as "GEOS(145.00)" for MTSAT-2 and "GEOS(140.00)" for MTSAT-1R.

• 3.2 LRIT dissemination

 The map projection parameters of images disseminated by LRIT is not changed from now. Therefore the center of MTSAT-2's Full-disk image is the same as MTSAT-1R's. For that the Projection_name shows only "GEOS(140.00)". Likewise, the projection_name of polar-stereographic images shows "POLAR(N,135.0)".
 Concurrently with the switchover ,type of full-disk visible-image is additionally disseminated by LRIT. In accordance with this change, the JMA LRIT Mission Specific Implementation document is revised. The new document is available from the link shown below.

• 3.3 Dissemination on the Internet

  HRIT images provided from the JDDS server on the Internet is the same as the images provided via the HRIT dissemination described in Section 3.1. Therefore, the center points of the images are 145°E for MTSAT-2 and 140°E for MTSAT-1R. The map projection parameters of JPEG images is not changed.

Reference

• JMA HRIT Mission Specific Implementation (PDF)(Issue 1.2, 1 January 2003)
• JMA LRIT Mission Specific Implementation (PDF)(Issue 7, 1 July 2010)
• CGMS 03 -LRIT/HRIT Global Specification (Link to Eumetsat)(Issue 2.6, 12 August 1999)

4. Imaging and Dissemination Schedule

 The schedule of imaging and dissemination is slightly changed on and after the switchover. In addition, full-disk visible images are added in the LRIT time table to be disseminated hourly. For details, please see the new imaging and dissemination schedule below.

Reference

• Imaging and Dissemination Schedule (PDF)(valid on and after 1 July 2010)

5. Change of MANAM format

The format of MANAM will be changed on June 24, 2010.

• Modified MANAM Format on June 24, 2010

6. Periodical backup operation by MTSAT-1R

  During system maintenance of system or abnormal event of MTSAT-2, MTSAT-1R will be brought back into operation.
JMA has two satellites and two antennas, which are pointed to each satellites normally. Antenna and ground system needs annual maintenance to keep up in good condition. One antenna of two is not in operation during this maintenance period, so MTSAT-2 is not in operation at same time. Backup operation is planned that observations and disseminations are performed by MTSAT-1R with another antenna in operation.
 Currently, a one-month backup operation due to the maintenance of the MTSAT-2 ground system is planned sometime between November 2010 and January 2011. Further information will be announced via MANAM and MTSAT Status page, when the maintenance plan is determined.

Reference

• MTSAT Status

7. Test of dissemination

 JMA will perform test of dissemination satellite images observed by MTSAT-2 on May 25 and June 15 from 0330 to 0440 UTC (F04, N04) using MTSAT-2 ground system via MTSAT-1R Transponder.
 The configuration of this test is same as that after the switchover to produce images described in "3. Satellite Image by MTSAT-2 ", and  additional full-disk visible-image is disseminated on LRIT too. More detailed test schedule is shown in PDF file below. Imagery data acquired during this test will be posted on sample data pages.

Note that dissemination of MTSAT-1R's images is cancelled during this test.

Reference Materials

• Test Schedule of imaging and dissemination (PDF)
• Operational Plan
• Sample Data of HRIT
• Sample Data of LRIT

Satellite Program Division
Japan Meteorological Agency

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