MetOp fuelled and pressurised   After the tanks have been fuelled and pressurised MetOp leaves the Hazardous Processing Facility (HPF). MetOp-A was launched on 19 October 2006 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, on a Soyuz ST rocket with a Fregat upper stage.   Special suits have to be worn for fuelling activites.   Cleaning inside the fairing during MetOp launch campaign. After integration with the Fregat upper-stage, MetOp is closed in the fairing and then integrated with the Soyuz launcher.   MetOp's launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. MetOp-A was launched on 19 October 2006 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, on a Soyuz ST rocket with a Fregat upper stage. Release date: 7 July 2006