OVERVIEW OF COMS GROUND SYSTEM AT METEOROLOGICAL SATELLITE CENTER OF KMA

This paper describes the ground system for COMS (Communication, Ocean, and Meteorological Satellite), the first Korean multi-purposed geostationary satellite, at MSC (Meteorological Satellite Center) in Korea. The overview of COMS MI (Meteorological Imager) will be introduced as well. KMA would implement mission planning for COMS MI operation and receive, process, interpret, disseminate, and archive MI data operationally for domestic and foreign user groups. Major missions of COMS MI are mitigation of natural hazard such as typhoon, dust storm, and heavy rain, and short-term warning of severe weather to protect human health and commerce. Moreover, research of climate variability and long-term changes will be supported. In accordance with those missions, the concept and design of COMPASS (COMS operation and meteorological products application service system), the ground system for COMS MI in MSC, have been setting up since 2004. Currently, COMPASS design is being progressed and will have finished the end of 2006. The development of COMPASS has three phases: first phase is development of fundamental COMPASS components in 2007, second phase is to integrate and test all of the COMPASS components in 2008, and the last phase is to operate COMPASS after COMS In-Orbit Tests in 2009.