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MetOp-A will be launched in July 2006 on a Soyuz/ST Fregat from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan operated by Starsem.

A Soyuz rocket was first used in 1963 and has since launched more than 1,700 times. Its success rate of more than 97% makes it one of the most reliable launch vehicles in the world. Other ESA missions such as Mars Express and Venus Express were also launched on Soyuz.

Credits: ESA - AOES Medialab

 
 
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The Soyuz/ST rocket on the launchpad
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The Soyuz/ST rocket on the launchpad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
 
 
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MetOp-A will be launched on a Soyuz/ST Fregat rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in July 2006. About eight minutes after launch the third stage separates, leaving the Fregat upper-stage and the MetOp satellite to continue their journey into orbit.

Credits: ESA - AOES Medialab
 
 
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Baikonur Cosmodrome
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Sunset over the launch pad at Baikonur in Kazakhstan

Credits: ESA-S.Corvaja
 
  Last update: 3 April 2012 
 
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