Multi-functional Satellite Augmentation System

Multi-functional Satellite Augmentation System ( MSAS ) is a Satellite Based Augmentation System and the Japanese counterpart to the EGNOS system in Europe. The MTSAT satellites combine meteorological and communications services. They orbit the Earth on a geostationary orbit over the eastern Pacific. MSAS stands for: MTSAT Space -Based Augmentation System, MTSAT for: Multifunctional Transport Satellite System.

The satellites transmit correction and integrity data for autonomous navigation satellite systems ( currently GPS) for the area of Japan. Is operated the system from the meteorological authority and the Japanese Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.

On 1 August 1999, the launch of the first satellite MTSAT - 1 failed. He missed his pre-calculated orbit.

The replacement satellite MTSAT -1R was launched on 26 February 2005 as an H- IIA of Tanegashima on a geostationary orbit near 140 ° East. MTSAT -1 and MTSAT -1R were built by Space Systems / Loral based on standard Loral satellite bus. MTSAT -1R is a Japanese communications satellite, which is additionally used for air traffic control and management. His starting weight was 2900 kg, of which 1650 kg of fuel. The satellite provides an electrical output of about 3 kW. The communication takes place to the ground station in the Ku- and Ka-band. It supports the communication standard AMSS (Aeronautical Mobile Satellite Service ). Aircraft can send in the L - band data about him to the ground station and also forward the radio about him.

MTSAT -2 was successfully launched on 18 February 2006 with an H- IIA rocket. It is positioned in a geostationary orbit at 145 degrees East. MTSAT -2 was designed and built by Mitsubishi Electric, supported by Boeing Satellite Systems and Alcatel Space.

MSAS is since 27 September 2007 at the operational conditions.