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Europe to launch its first polar-orbiting weather satellite

10 July 2006

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The MetOp series of three satellites is Europe's first polar-orbiting missions dedicated to operational meteorology and represents the European commitment to a new venture with the United States. They are launched sequentially, providing data until at least 2020.

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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IASI will measure the infrared radiation emitted by the Earth

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Marking a significant technological step forward, IASI will provide meteorologists with data of unprecedented accuracy and resolution on atmospheric temperature and humidity with which to improve weather prediction.

Credits: ESA - AOES Medialab

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Credits: C. Simpson

MetOp

MetOp joins Fregat upper-stage MetOp fuelled and pressurised MetOp-A gets green light for 17 July launch date MetOp – last phase of testing before launch MetOp satellite shipped to Baikonur on 18 April

In depth

Soyuz launch vehicle Baikonur