Meteosat Third Generation

The Scan Assembly Mechanism

The sweeping or scanning mechanisms are key elements of the FCI and IRS in terms of optical quality and the accuracy and pointing stability of the M0 mirror in both telescopes. They generate high resolution Meteosat images through sweeping, thereby eliminating the axial movement of the satellite (spinning) that currently occurs in MSG.

The Calibration and Obturation Mechanisms

In terms of the calibration system for the FCI, the mechanism proposed by Sener is similar to a filter wheel that rotates the selected element to position and includes integrated optical devices, a black-body radiator, filters, and the shutter. The IRS, on the other hand, will have a mirror mechanism that will rotate on an axis in order to select between the black body radiator, the calibration, the shutter or the observation position.

AOCS SCOE

Sener consists of supplying the Attitude and Orbit Control System, Special Check Out Equipment (AOCS SCOE) for the mission. The aim of this equipment is to provide interfaces for both simulation and stimulation of the sensors and actuators that make up this AOCS, at the same time as enabling real-time simulation of the dynamic conditions, kinematics, and effects that the physical environment will have on the satellites.

The verification of avionics and especially of the Attitude and Orbit Control System (AOCS) or the Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) subsystem is a fundamental activity in the flight segment of any space system. Until now, test benches used for this purpose have been produced specifically for each project. But now, SENER has developed a reusable, flexible and scalable system, which can be rapidly adapted and integrated into any verification campaign. The generic AOCS SCOE includes a real-time simulator with the features and capabilities needed for proper AOCS verification.