The Synchronous Meteorological Satellite /SMS/ system
The Synchronous Meteorological Satellite (SMS) system is described which is being utilized in a program to obtain day and night information on the earth's weather by means of earth imaging, retransmission of imaged data, meteorological data collection and relay, and space environment monitoring. The components and functions of the ground system are discussed together with the basic satellite payloads. The launch and orbit of SMS-A are reviewed, and the functions of the visible IR spin-scan radiometer are described in detail. Other systems and units discussed include the data collection system, solar environment monitor, weather-facsimile unit, and central data distribution system. It is noted that SMS-A was used to support the Global Atlantic Tropical Experiment and that the SMS system will be complemented by geostationary environmental satellites from ESRO, Japan, and the USSR.