A schematic of a meteor-m satellite. Photo: SRC Planeta

[Via Satellite 11-26-2014] Russia’s Center for Operation of Space Ground-Based Infrastructure (TsENKI) reports that the Meteor M2 remote sensing satellite has nearly completed in-orbit testing following its July 8 launch. Once completed, Meteor M2 will succeed Meteor M1, which, after launching in September 2009, has reached its warranty lifetime of five years.

Russia withdrew Meteor M1 from operational use on Oct. 1 for examination. A decision on the continued use of the spacecraft will follow. Meteor M2 will obtain meteorological, solar and other information for hydrometeorology and environmental monitoring projects.