The Structural and Thermal Model (STM) for the first spacecraft of the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) was tested in the Large Space Simulator of ESTEC's Test Centre during March/April 1998. This model carries dummy solar panels in order to simulate the satellite's thermal behaviour. MSG-1 is planned for launch in late 2000 to continue and expand the services provided by Europe's series of geostationary meteorological satellites since 1977. ESA is responsible for developing the new satellites on behalf of EUMETSAT. [Image Date: 01-04-98] [98.04.001-084]