EUMETSAT’s Meteosat-9 reaches its new home

The satellite is now at 45.5°E, where it is joining an international effort to provide coverage of the Indian Ocean from the geostationary orbit, 36,000km above the Earth.

Until 1 February this year, Meteosat-9 was stationary at longitude 3.5°E and providing backup to Meteosat-10 and -11.

Meteosat-8, currently at 41.5°E, will soon be moved to the “graveyard orbit” after two decades of reliable service.

Head of Strategy, Communication and International Relations Paul Counet said Meteosat-9’s contribution to Indian Ocean coverage would benefit island states and the east coast of Africa, which experience tropical cyclones.

“The data from Meteosat-9 also will be beneficial for our member states in Eastern and Central Europe and neighbouring countries,” Counet said.

Meteosat Spacecraft Operations Manager Flavio Murolo said the complex, 79-day relocation from 3.5°E to 45.5°E was carefully carried out to keep a safe distance from other satellites, to avoid interfering with services provided by the other Meteosat satellites and to minimise the amount of propellant used.

“Tests were carried out during the relocation which will also benefit Meteosat-10 and -11,” Murolo said.

“A dedicated validation campaign for Indian Ocean services will be undertaken, now that the spacecraft has reached its new home. Meteosat-9 will operate in parallel with Meteosat-8 for about two months, before the latter is re-orbited and decommissioned.”

The video (above) consists of imagery taken by Meteosat-9 during its relocation.