Met gets new receiver for weather satellite |23 May 2005

The work is being carried out in the framework of the PUMA (Preparation of the Use of MSG in Africa) project, launched in 1996 by the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites and the European Commission.

“It will signify a considerable step forward in weather forecasting for Africa and the Indian Ocean,” according to the NMS.

The European Commission is providing funding via the European Development Fund to deploy integrated receiving stations that will improve the accuracy and frequency of meteorological data in the region.

Under the contract, Alcatel Space is responsible for the supply of all equipment, plus on-site installation of the ground stations and initial user training.

MSG images and data will considerably strengthen environmental monitoring throughout Seychelles and the Indian Ocean with better and more timely information for weather forecasting, said the NMS, as well as to ensure more efficient water use, provide information for the aviation sector and to monitor the global climate.

“This installation will give the (NMS) a facelift with new modern observation and communication equipment,” the NMS said.