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The Meteor-3M spacecraft was an enhanced iteration of the Meteor series and served as a Russian meteorological satellite. Its payload features SAGE III alongside a suite of additional scientific instruments. It launched December 10, 2001 and was terminated on March 6, 2006 because of a power supply system failure resulting in loss of communication with the satellite.

Key Measurements

The mission collects data on the following:

  1. Temperature and humidity profiles
  2. Cloud characteristics
  3. Surface properties
  4. High-energy particles in the upper atmosphere
  5. Ozone, aerosol and other trace gas profiles

Solar & Lunar Occultations

Solar occultations are recorded twice per orbit as the Sun rises or sets from the perspective of the satellite. Lunar measurements are taken when the Moon is at least 50% illuminated and is not eclipsing the Sun.

Satellite Characteristics

OrbitSun-synchronous, near-circular polar
Orbital inclination99.8º
Weight5500 pounds
Eccentricity0.0024
Perigee1,012 km
Period105 minutes
Path offset/revolution26.334º
Revisit time 3 days (41 revolutions)

Type

Earth Observation Satellites

Data Center

ASDC

Objective

Environmental observations such as: temperature and humidity profiles, cloud characteristics, surface properties, high-energy particles in the upper atmosphere, and ozone, aerosol and other trace gas profiles
Meteor-3M Partner
Meteor-3M was initiated by the Gore-Chernomyrdin Commission in 1994 and extended a long-term working relationship between the United States and the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (RASA) to understand Earth's environment.
Meteor-3M-1

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