MUMBAI: India's first exclusive meteorological satellite, METSAT yesterday reached its space home at 74 degree east longitude at 36,000 kms altitude achieving its intended geo- stationary orbit.

The Very High Resolution Radiometer (VHRR) on board India's first exclusive meteorological satellite, METSAT have been switched on from Master Control Facility, Hassan. The earth image in the Visible spectral band was taken in full-frame mode, which covers the full earth disc and the adjoining deep space.

METSAT was launched by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C4, from Satish Dhawan Space Center, SHAR on 12 September. Following the successful launch, orbit raising manoeuvres were conducted and the spacecraft was placed in the near Geo-Synchronous Orbit (GSO). The 3-axis stabilisation of the spacecraft was carried out on 16 September, 2002, while the detailed In-Orbit Testing (IOT) of the payload started from 23 September.

Meteorological services from METSAT are expected to commence from the first week of October.