MetOp design is based on a modular concept. The satellite consists of a Solar Array and two modules: the Service Module (SVM) and the Payload Module (PLM).
The external configuration of the satellite is mainly driven by:
the fields of view and performances of instruments, sensors, radiators and antennas
the available volume under Soyuz-ST Fregat fairing and Ariane 5 short fairing
the ease and cost of manufacturing, integrating and testing
the maximum de-coupling among the various elements
the accessibility to some critical areas (e.g. where required for functional checks of instruments or sensors)
The base of the SVM interfaces with the launcher through a standard 1666 adaptor via a clamp and attachment/release device.
