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MetOp's story in pictures

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The first MetOp meteorological satellite arrived on 18 April in Kazakhstan, on board an Antonov-124 transport plane.

MetOp-A is the first in a series of three polar orbiting satellites dedicated to operational meteorology and climate studies. It was launched on 19 October 2006 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, on a Soyuz ST rocket with a Fregat upper stage.

Credits: ESA

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MetOp left the airfield on a train for a 5-hour journey to its launch site, the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

Credits: EUMETSAT 2006

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MetOp arrived late in the evening and its Service Module Container stayed on the train over night, with its internal air conditioning system connected to the power inside the MIK 112 building at the Cosmodrome.

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: EUMETSAT 2006

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MetOp's Payload Module Container unloaded

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The Payload Module Container, which houses MetOp's sensitive instruments, was unloaded first with impressive cranes and carried through the MIK 112 building, where it stayed until being moved to the UCIF, the Upper Composite Processing Facility.

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: EUMETSAT 2006

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MetOp-A in the Upper Composite Processing Facility (UCIF)

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MetOp-A in the Upper Composite Processing Facility (UCIF), at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, where the satellite will be integrated.

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: EUMETSAT 2006

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MetOp's Payload Module is safely fixed to a multi-purpose trolley, with protective covers on all instruments.

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: EUMETSAT 2006

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MetOp's Payload Module in the Upper Composite Integration Facility (UCIF) ‘clean room’ is waiting for integration and testing with the Service Module.

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: EUMETSAT 2006

Last update: 21 April 2006