# Meteosat 1

> decommissioned European weather satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q18327609](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18327609)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/meteosat-1

## Summary
Meteosat 1 was the first European weather satellite, launched by the European Space Agency in 1977. It was part of the Meteosat First Generation series and operated in geostationary orbit, providing early weather monitoring capabilities for Europe.

## Key Facts
- **First European weather satellite**: Meteosat 1 was the inaugural satellite in the Meteosat First Generation series.
- **Launch date**: November 23, 1977, at 01:35 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A.
- **Launch vehicle**: Delta 2000 (flight designation D-136).
- **Manufacturer**: Aérospatiale.
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit.
- **Service entry**: December 9, 1977.
- **Service retirement**: November 25, 1979.
- **Operator**: European Space Agency (ESA).
- **Satellite bus**: Star 37 (model 620).
- **Predecessor**: None (first in the series).
- **Successor**: Meteosat 2.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Meteosat 1?
A: Meteosat 1 was designed to provide early weather monitoring and forecasting for Europe, operating in geostationary orbit to continuously observe the same region.

### Q: Who launched Meteosat 1?
A: Meteosat 1 was launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) using a Delta 2000 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A.

### Q: How long did Meteosat 1 operate?
A: Meteosat 1 was operational from December 9, 1977, until its retirement on November 25, 1979.

### Q: What was unique about Meteosat 1?
A: Meteosat 1 was the first European weather satellite, paving the way for continuous weather monitoring and forecasting in the region.

### Q: What happened to Meteosat 1 after retirement?
A: Meteosat 1 was decommissioned and replaced by Meteosat 2, marking the end of its operational service.

## Why It Matters
Meteosat 1 was a pioneering achievement in European space technology, marking the beginning of a long-standing program for weather monitoring. Its launch in 1977 demonstrated Europe's capability to develop and operate advanced weather satellites, contributing to improved meteorological forecasting and disaster preparedness. The satellite's geostationary orbit allowed for continuous observation of weather patterns, which was a significant advancement over ground-based systems. Meteosat 1's success laid the foundation for subsequent generations of Meteosat satellites, which have since become essential tools for weather monitoring and climate research across Europe and beyond.

## Notable For
- **First European weather satellite**: Meteosat 1 was the inaugural satellite in the Meteosat series, setting a precedent for European space-based weather observation.
- **Pioneering geostationary orbit use**: It was the first European satellite to operate in geostationary orbit, enabling continuous weather monitoring.
- **Delta 2000 launch**: The satellite's launch on a Delta 2000 rocket marked a significant milestone in European space exploration.
- **Star 37 satellite bus**: Meteosat 1 utilized the Star 37 model 620 bus, a reliable platform for weather satellites at the time.
- **Short operational lifespan**: Despite its relatively brief operational period, Meteosat 1 played a crucial role in establishing Europe's weather satellite capabilities.

## Body
### Overview
Meteosat 1 was the first satellite in the Meteosat First Generation series, developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) to provide weather monitoring for Europe. Launched on November 23, 1977, it was a critical step in Europe's efforts to establish independent weather observation capabilities.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch date**: November 23, 1977, at 01:35 UTC.
- **Launch site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A.
- **Launch vehicle**: Delta 2000 (flight designation D-136).
- **Manufacturer**: Aérospatiale.
- **Satellite bus**: Star 37 model 620.

### Operational Details
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit, allowing continuous observation of the same region.
- **Service entry**: December 9, 1977.
- **Service retirement**: November 25, 1979.
- **Operator**: European Space Agency (ESA).

### Significance
- **First European weather satellite**: Meteosat 1 was the first in a series that would become essential for weather forecasting in Europe.
- **Geostationary orbit**: Its use of geostationary orbit was a breakthrough for continuous weather monitoring.
- **Technological advancement**: The satellite demonstrated Europe's growing capability in space-based weather observation.

### Legacy
- **Successor**: Meteosat 2 followed, continuing the program's success.
- **Decommissioned**: Meteosat 1 was decommissioned after a two-year operational period, marking the end of its service.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/meteosat-1.htm)
2. [Source](https://www.eumetsat.int/meteosat-first-generation-retired)
3. Jonathan's Space Report