MTSAT-1R A MULTIFUNCTIONAL SATELLITE FOR JAPAN AND THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION

摘要

MTSAT-1R is a state-of-the-art, multi-functional satellite that will provide meteorological and air traffic management services to the Asia-Pacific region. The spacecraft was launched on February 26, 2005 from the Tanegashima Space Center on an RSC H-IIA launch vehicle. Its operational geostationary longitude is 140° east. The meteorological payload is based on a new generation multi-spectral scanning imager, featuring an active cooler that maintains infrared detectors at cryogenic temperatures. The satellite will gather and distribute critical weather information including cloud imagery, cloud and water vapor distributions, cloud-motion wind vector, sea surface temperature, and information on typhoons and other severe weather conditions. The meteorological payload broadcasts imaging data products using transmitters in the S-band, while communications with data collection platforms are accomplished in the UHF frequency band. The aeronautical payload provides communications, navigation, and surveillance for air traffic management (CNS/ATM). The system allows communications between air traffic controllers and aircraft en route between North America and Asia on the northern Pacific routes. Communication links managed by an onboard digital processor provide for automated dependent surveillance to assist air traffic controllers and facilitate efficient traffic routing. The system uses L-band mobile links and Ku-band and Ka-band feeder links. The spacecraft was built by Space Systems/Loral using a version of the 1300 bus modified for the MTSAT specific payloads. The satellite is characterized by its single three-panel solar array and counterbalancing solar sail. In this paper, the satellite mission is described and significant elements of the spacecraft design and performance are presented.