The MTSAT-2 (Multifunctional Transport Satellite) is a multi-functional satellite with
a dual purpose:
On the one hand, it is an integral part of a next-generation global-scale air traffic
safety system comprised of communications, navigation, tracking and air traffic control.
The purpose is to improve traffic congestion and safety in the Asia Pacific region.
On the other hand, the MTSAT-2 is designed to take on a meteorological mission to
capture, collect and deliver meteorological images and/or data. In this capacity it
inherits and expands the mission of a previous satellite.
The satellite carries IMAGER, an imaging telescope, backed by detectors for five wavelength channels:
- Visible band at 0.55-0.80 microns, detected by silicon photovoltaic detectors at a spatial resolution of 1.25 km;
- 10.3-11.3 micron infrared channel (IR1) with a HgCdTe photoconductive detector.
- 11.5-12.5 micron channel (IR2) with a HgCdTe detector;
- 6.5-7.0 micron water vapor channel (IR3) with a HgCdTe detector; and,
- 3.5-4.0 micron near-infrared channel with an InSb photovoltaic detector.
All infrared channels provide a spatial resolution of 5.0 km.
For the meteorological mission, MTSAT-2 will play a role of a back-up satellite while MTSAT-1R is in operation until 2008. After the commencement of MTSAT-2 operations, MTSAT-1R will be used as a stand-by satellite for the meteorological mission.
MTSat 2 was renamed Himawari 7 after launch.
In May 2020, MTSat 2 was moved to a graveyard orbit above GEO.
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