MTSAT-1R

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The launch of Japan’s Multi-functional Transport Satellite, MTSAT-1R as the replacement for GMS-5, occurred successfully on 26 February 2005. The satellite went fully operational at 03 UTC (13:00 EST) on Tuesday 28 June 2005, following successful in-orbit testing.

MTSAT-1R carries an aeronautical mission to assist air navigation, plus a meteorological mission to provide imagery coverage over the Asia-Pacific region. The meteorological mission includes an imager giving nominal hourly full earth disk images like those from GOES-9 (and GMS-5), and in 5 spectral bands (one visible, four infrared). There is also the capability to relay weather data from remote Automatic Weather Stations.

Now that the Japan Meteorological Agency has declared the satellite operational the Bureau is receiving and processing the data for use by the general public.

Coupled with China's FY-2C geostationary meteorological satellite, the Asia-Pacific region is now well served by regular imagery to support operations and research of national weather services like the Bureau of Meteorology. China, Japan and USA are to be congratulated on their contributions to global free exchange of meteorological data. In particular, MTSAT-1R represents a significant contribution by Japan to the space-based observations part of the World Meteorological Organization's Global Observing System and data are made freely available for common good.

The first direct broadcast test transmissions to all ground stations in the Asia-Pacific region from MTSAT-1R occurred on 9 May 2005. The Bureau received its first images then, as shown below.

The first test images received by JMA's command ground station on 24 March 2005, which were not broadcast to other users, may be seen at JMA's web site.

The Space Based Observations Section (Information about how the satellite products are produced.)