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New launch date for Europe’s first polar-orbiting weather satellite

14 September 2006

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MetOp is a series of three new polar-orbiting satellites to be launched sequentially starting in 2006. The series forms the space segment of the EUMETSAT Polar System and represents the European contribution to a new cooperation with the USA marking a new era in global weather monitoring and forecasting.

MetOp-A was launched on 19 October 2006 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, on a Soyuz ST rocket with a Fregat upper stage.

Credits: ESA - AOES Medialab

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The MetOp satellite series will provide data for both operational meteorology and climate studies. The combination of instruments on board MetOp has remote sensing capabilities to observe the Earth by day and night as well as under cloudy conditions.

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MetOp undergoing preparations in Baikonur

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MetOp undergoing final preparations for launch.

MetOp-A was launched on 19 October 2006 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, on a Soyuz ST rocket with a Fregat upper stage.

Credits: ESA - K. Büchler

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The Main Control room at ESOC.

Credits: ESA - P.Sebirot

MetOp

ESOC programme Media attendance form

MetOp to be launched in October Launch of MetOp-A postponed

In depth

Launch diary Soyuz launch vehicle Baikonur