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| | | | | | | | | MetOp artist's view | |
Next steps
Future MSG launches have been timed to maintain a two-satellite operational system at any time, based around the designed seven-year lifetime of each MSG.
MSG-2 and MSG-3 were integrated and to a large extent tested at the same time in order to optimise work at an industry level, then placed in storage. MSG-3 remains in storage, and is planned to launch in the period 2008-2009. Work began on MSG-4 in April 2003, and it is planned to enter storage in spring 2007 for a launch around 2010-11.
2006 should also see the first launch of a new series of European meteorology satellites designed to complement MSG coverage. MetOp-1 will be Europe's first polar-orbiting satellite dedicated to operational meteorology, providing coverage of high-latitude regions unavailable to the geostationary MSGs.
| | | MetOp initial joint polar system |
MetOp is a series of three satellites to be launched sequentially over 14 years, forming the space segment of EUMETSAT's Polar System (EPS). It represents the European contribution to a new co-operative venture with the United States providing data to monitor climate and improve weather forecasting.
MetOp will carry a set of 'heritage' instruments provided by the United States and a new generation of European instruments that offer improved remote sensing capabilities to both meteorologists and climatologists.
The new instruments will augment the accuracy of temperature humidity measurements, readings of wind speed and direction over the ocean surface, and atmospheric ozone profiles. Each satellite will fly in a polar orbit corresponding to local 'morning' while the US will be responsible for 'afternoon' coverage.
| | Coupling of the MetOp-FM2 satellite modules | |
The series will provide data for both operational meteorology and climate studies. The combination of instruments on board MetOp has remote sensing capabilities to observe the Earth by day and night as well as under cloudy conditions.
ESA is developing the MetOp space segment as part of a joint undertaking with EUMETSAT, which is responsible for the ground segment and plans to provide operational weather data to users for an initial period of 14 years. ESA is procuring three MetOp satellites, each with a nominal lifetime of 5 years.
Last update: 15 November 2007 | |
| | In depth MetOp overviewRelated links EUMETSAT
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