Design and execution of a multi-constraints operational relocation strategy of a geostationary fleet of real time operational satellites

摘要

The Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) program consist of a series of geostationary satellites, which provide meteorological services over Europe. After the successful LEOP and commissioning of the third satellite in the series (MSG-3) EUMETSAT faced the challenge of relocating the three spacecraft in a manner to optimize the meteorological service for the users, without undue interruption of the service to the users during the three spacecraft's relocations. This paper notes the starting and final posititions of the spacecraft, and describes the rationale behind the repositioning, the measures implemented to minimize disruption to the users, the flight dynamics aspects associated with the relocation maneuvers, the contingency measures put in place, the team coordination, the planning details, and the final relocation schedule. The adopted relocation strategy and its implementation during the first months of 2013 resulted in a successful relocation of the three spacecraft.