Europe to launch its first polar-orbiting weather satellite   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.   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.   Release date: 11 July 2006