The EUMETSAT satellite programmes and data services
Kenneth Holmlund, P. Counet, Fran Martínez Fadrique, Alexander Schmid, Bojan Bojkov, Rosemary Munro, J. Grandell, E. Obligis
Abstract
EUMETSAT, the European operational satellite agency for monitoring weather, climate and the environment, is committed to providing user-driven sustained space-based observations, products and related data distribution for downstream services and applications. In response to the related user requirements, EUMETSAT implements the necessary satellite systems and associated services through mandatory, optional and third-party programmes. The mandatory programmes consist of the geostationary Meteosat Second and Third (MSG/MTG) generation satellite systems, providing continuous monitoring over Europe and Africa, over the Indian Ocean on a best effort basis, and the first polar orbiting EUMETSAT Polar System (EPS), to be continued with the EPS Second Generation (EPS-SG) satellites. The two satellite systems are essential in order to meet the diverse requirements for high-temporal and high-spatial resolution satellite data for weather and climate with a multitude of different instrument capabilities. The optional Jason-3 and Jason-CS programmes, with satellites in a highly inclined orbit, ensure that the user community continues to receive precise altimetry data on an operational basis while Europe moves to long-term operational services. The European Union’s (EU) Earth observation programme, Copernicus, implements the Sentinel satellites and instruments addressing specific user needs. Through the implementation of the third-party Copernicus programme, EUMETSAT operates, on behalf of the EU, the Sentinel-3 (Marine mission) and Sentinel-6 satellites. EUMETSAT also processes and disseminates their data, and in the future data from additional satellites and will also operate and deliver products from the Sentinel-4 and -5 instruments to be flown on-board the MTG and EPS-SG satellites. Finally, EUMETSAT will operate the Copernicus Anthropogenic Carbon Dioxide Monitoring (CO2M) constellation and generate global products from the future Copernicus Imaging Microwave Radiometer (CMIR) and Copernicus Polar Ice and Snow Topography Altimeter (CRISTAL) missions. In addition, EUMETSAT is preparing for the EPS-Aeolus mission, providing highly accurate wind-profiling from space, and the EPS-Sterna constellation, providing increased temporal resolution for microwave sounding. The portfolio of observations delivered by EUMETSAT also includes a limited set of complementary data procured from commercial vendors. This paper will focus on describing the delivery of operational data and products from these programmes with a particular emphasis on operational and sustained services.