Meteorology, Meteorological, History

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HISTORY OF EUMETSAT, p8.

HISTORY OF EUMETSAT, p6.

p7

staff and a very limited programme. The staff complement was limited to ten individuals, its sole programme a continuation of that started by the European Space Agency, and that restricted to a period of only nine years. Very little thought had been given to further satellite programmes, or how the organisation would itself respond to the pressures of the plans that would eventually emerge.

In spite of those modest beginnings, within ten years EUMETSAT had become a well-respected player on the world stage. The participating States had agreed unanimously on a new series of advanced satellites to replace the original Meteosat series in the geostationary orbit. Within a further five years they had also agreed to another series of satellites to fly in the complementary polar orbit, these carrying 11 specialised instruments of advanced design.

With the new systems of satellites EUMETSAT has the capability of monitoring the entire planet throughout the depth of its atmosphere several times a day. Europe, the Middle East and the entire continent of Africa can be monitored at intervals of as little as 15 minutes, tracking every significant weather system 24 hours a day. These remarkable systems did not just happen. They had to be discussed and justified every step of the way. Not all of the players could always agree on the best way forward, but step-by-step consensus was obtained and the Organisation developed towards the well-balanced programmes that are the core of EUMETSAT's plans at the start of the new century.

When writing a history about a relatively young organisation such as EUMETSAT there is always a danger of stepping into controversy. Certain events and decisions that have taken place during the period covered by this book have effects that still concern some of the players today. Depending upon the viewpoint of the reader, interpretations of what transpired may differ widely. This is inevitable if the author seeks objectivity and therefore tries to avoid organisational or political bias. The intention is certainly not to offend or denigrate anybody or any organisation, so it is hoped that every reader will understand that an honest attempt has been made at objectivity and not take offence.

Another aspect of this history is that it examines, at a strategic level, the major events pertinent to the creation of EUMETSAT and its development between 1986 and the beginning of the twenty-first century. Details of the specific developments within programmes and associated activities that took place are not included unless they illustrate or support the strategic account. The aim is to provide the reader with sufficient information to understand the scientific, political and financial issues at play that led to the EUMETSAT of today.

This book characterises very well the vision of the pioneers of European satellite meteorology. From the uncertain early days of the late 1960s and early 1970s when Europe's meteorologists were beginning to harness the computer for weather forecasting, it became clear that the coverage, consistency and frequency of observations of the atmosphere would grow considerably in importance.

With the benefit of today's hindsight it is easy to appreciate that meteorological satellites would evolve. But even with current knowledge, the rate of development and the level of sophistication of the modem satellite systems are astounding to many. For the early pioneers there was no such certainty. Many of Europe's National Meteorological Services were undergoing major changes. Funds were short and had to be spent very carefully. Ministers and their civil servants had to be convinced of the value of the new concepts of satellite meteorology. It is against this background that the visionaries made their recommendations and maintained their convictions through the years of negotiation and debate.

SEE ALSO| |

1. Meteorologists shed political shackles, a review of Declan Murphy's history of the first 25 years of EUMETSAT (2011), by Helen Gavaghan.

2. An interview in 2010 with Dr Tillman Mohr, a special advisor to the secretary general of the World Meteorological Organisation, in Science, People & Politics.

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Contents

Preface

Foreword

Introduction

Ch.1

Ch.2

Ch.3

Ch.4

Ch.5

Ch.6

Ch.7

Ch.8

The History of EUMETSAT is available in English and French from EUMETSAT©.
First printed 2001. ISBN 92-9110-040-4

Eumetsat meteorology meteorological artificial satellites
European Space Agency weather climate policy politics history