The MetOp-SG A1 satellite, developed by Airbus under the leadership of the European Space Agency (ESA) for EUMETSAT, was launched from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The launch took place on an Ariane 6 rocket and marks the beginning of a new phase in weather forecasting for Europe.
Communication with the satellite has been established, and it is now entering its commissioning phase. This development is expected to improve the accuracy of weather forecasts and provide essential meteorological data for years to come.
“The successful launch of MetOp-SG A1 is a landmark moment for Europe and for global weather forecasting,” said Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus. “Having designed and built the first generation of MetOp satellites, we now see the first of this powerful new series in orbit. These satellites will be the sentinels of our planet, helping to deliver more accurate weather predictions that benefit citizens across the globe.”
MetOp-SG A1 is part of a group of six satellites intended to maintain and enhance meteorological observations from space until at least the mid-2040s. The program consists of two types: three ‘A’ satellites focused on atmospheric sounding and imaging, and three ‘B’ satellites equipped with instruments for microwave imaging and radar observations.
Among its payloads, MetOp-SG A1 features advanced tools such as the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer – Next Generation (IASI-NG), which supports detailed weather forecasting and climate research. Additional equipment includes METimage visible and infrared imager, Microwave Sounder, Radio Occultation Sounder, Multi-viewing Multi-channel Multi-polarisation Imager for aerosol and cloud monitoring, as well as the Copernicus Sentinel-5 instrument designed to measure trace gases and pollutants.
This mission represents collaboration among several European agencies including EUMETSAT, ESA, Copernicus programme (European Union), CNES (France), DLR (Germany), UK Space Agency, along with an industrial consortium led by Airbus.
The ‘A’ series satellites are assembled at Airbus facilities in Toulouse, France; ‘B’ series are produced in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Each satellite has a planned operational life of 7.5 years to ensure continuous coverage over 21 years.
Ariane 6 was developed through ESA’s program framework. ArianeGroup serves as prime contractor overseeing design and production with support from various industrial partners. Launch operations are managed by Arianespace at the Guiana Space Centre.
Further information about air quality monitoring from space can be found in this article: Weather forecasting from space to your smartphone.
