Europe has taken a major leap in meteorology with the successful launch of MetOp-SG A1. MetOp is the first of its kind in a new generation of meteorological satellites. The Airbus-built satellite is developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) for EUMETSAT. It was launched aboard an Ariane 6 rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The satellite has now established communications to begin its commissioning phase.
The mission aims to dramatically improve the accuracy of weather forecasting. This forecasting and climate monitoring will continue well into the mid-2040s.
“The successful launch of MetOp-SG A1 is a landmark moment for Europe and for global weather forecasting,” said Alain Fauré. Alain is the Head of Space Systems at Airbus. “These satellites will be the sentinels of our planet. They will deliver accurate weather predictions that benefit citizens across the globe.”
Next-Generation Capabilities
MetOp-SG A1 is the first of six satellites in the MetOp Second Generation programme. These six satellites will have three “A” series and three “B” series satellites. Each of them will carry complementary instruments. The A-Series satellites are equipped for advanced atmospheric sounding. On the other hand, the B-Series is designed for microwave imaging and radar observations.
The A1 payload includes an Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer for detailed atmospheric measurements. It also includes METimage visible/infrared imager, Microwave Sounder and Radio Occultation Sounder. Additionally, it has Multi-viewing, Multi-channel, Multi-polarisation Imagers for enhanced aerosol and cloud monitoring.
European Collaboration
The mission is the product of a broad European partnership involving EUMETSAT, ESA, the EU’s Copernicus programme, CNES (France), DLR (Germany), the UK Space Agency, and an Airbus-led industrial consortium. The A-Series satellites are built in Toulouse, France. On the other hand, the B-Series satellites are built in Friedrichshafen, Germany.
Each satellite has a 7.5-year operational lifetime, ensuring continuous coverage over more than two decades.
Launch Operations
The Ariane 6 rocket successfully deployed MetOp-SG A1 into orbit. The rocket was developed under ESA leadership with ArianeGroup as prime contractor. Launch services were provided by Arianespace. They managed integration and deployment from the Guiana Space Centre.
With MetOp-SG A1 now in orbit, Europe begins a new era of space-based meteorology. Thus, reinforcing its leadership in global climate and weather monitoring.
Javeria Sajid is an Aerospace Engineering student from NUST with a background in technology and a sharp focus on the global political landscape and defence innovation. She writes to make complex defence technologies understandable, and aspires to bridge journalism, policy, and engineering in her work.
