MetOp

MetOp is a series of three polar orbiting meteorological satellites developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and operated by the European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT). The satellites form the space segment component of the overall EUMETSAT Polar System (EPS), which in turn is the European half of the EUMETSAT/NOAA Initial Joint Polar System (IJPS). The satellites carry a payload comprising 11 scientific instruments and two which support Search and Rescue services. In order to provide data continuity between MetOp and NOAA Polar Operational Satellites (POES), several instruments are carried on both fleets of satellites.

MetOp-A, launched on October 19, 2006, is Europe's first polar orbiting satellite used for operational meteorology. Subsequent satellites in the series are provisionally planned for launch at 5 year intervals to match the 5-year design life and provide continuity of services. However, in case of extended mission lifetime, a period of dual operations is expected as well as an extension to the overall programme. In 2021 a second generation of MetOp satellites will be deployed, called MetOp-SG.

MetOp has been developed as a joint undertaking between the European Space Agency (ESA) and European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT). Recognising the growing importance of Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) in weather forecasting, MetOp was designed with a suite of instruments to provide NWP models with high resolution global atmospheric temperature and humidity structure. Data from MetOp are additionally used for atmospheric chemistry and provision of long term data sets for climate records.

The MetOp satellites have a modular construction, comprising a Service Module, a Payload Module and a suite of Instruments.

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