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Plan of Operation for MTSAT-2

May 20, 2010

  This page aims to inform MTSAT users of the meteorological mission operation plan for the period after the switchover of the observation function from MTSAT-1R to MTSAT-2. 

1.Switchover of Observation Function

As per the previous announcement, HRIT/LRIT images are to be observed by MTSAT-2 from 0230 UTC (F03) on July 1, 2010. 

Reference

• April 23, 2010 Switchover of Meteorological Mission

2. Operation of Meteorological Mission

  As the orbital position of MTSAT-2 and MTSAT-1R are not change after the switchover, satellite images is captured from 145°E by MTSAT-2. Image dissemination and the DCP data relay mission is still be performed by MTSAT-1R at 140°E, making it unnecessary for MDSU/SDUS users and DCPs to adjust the direction of their antennas.

3. Satellite Image by MTSAT-2

• 3.1 HRIT dissemination

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

• 3.2 LRIT dissemination

 As the map projection parameters of images disseminated by LRIT are not changed, the center of MTSAT-2's full-disk images will be the same as that of MTSAT-1R's. Accordingly, Projection_name shows only "GEOS(140.00)." Likewise, Projection_name for polar-stereographic images shows "POLAR(N,135.0)."
 As of the switchover, full-disk visible imagery is additionally disseminated by LRIT. In accordance with this change, the JMA LRIT Mission Specific Implementation document has been revised. The new document is available at the link shown below.

• 3.3 Internet dissemination

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

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 imaging and dissemination schedule is slightly changed upon and after the switchover. In addition, full-disk visible images is added to the LRIT timetable 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 or abnormal events related to MTSAT-2, MTSAT-1R will be brought back into operation.
JMA has two satellites and two antennas pointed at them in normal operation. These antennas and the ground system require annual maintenance to ensure appropriate function. One antenna of the two is taken out of operation during this maintenance period, so MTSAT-2 is not operational at this time. Backup operation is planned so that observation and dissemination can be performed by MTSAT-1R with the other antenna in operation.
 Currently, a one-month backup operation to cover maintenance of the MTSAT-2 ground system is planned for sometime between November 2010 and January 2011. Further details will be announced via MANAM and the MTSAT Status page once the maintenance plan has been determined.

Reference

• MTSAT Status

7. Dissemination Testing

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

It should be noted that dissemination of MTSAT-1R imagery will be suspended during this testing.

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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