The launch of the MetOp-SG-A1 satellite marks a crucial step forward in European meteorological monitoring.

The first European second-generation satellite for meteorology, MetOp-SG-A1, is already in space after taking off at 00: 37 GMT from the spaceport of Kourou (French Guiana) aboard a Ariane 6 rocketThe vehicle reached the planned orbit and activated its initial systems without incident, a key step toward beginning the flight verification phase.

Designed to strengthen surveillance of extreme events and the measurement of the air quality, the satellite will operate in polar orbit about 832 kilometers altitude. The mission, which integrates the spectrometer Copernicus Sentinel-5, will operate continuously and will be fully operational within a year.

Technology and instruments

MetOp-SG-A1 incorporates a set of six complementary instruments state-of-the-art devices designed to extract detailed information from the atmosphere and surface.

• Infrared probe: Profiles temperature and humidity at altitude to improve analysis and prediction.
• Microwave probe: allows observations under clouds, vital in storms and active fronts.
• Multispectral radiometer: generates multi-band images for tracking clouds, surfaces and oceans.
• Multi-vision and multi-polarization image generator: provides different geometries and polarizations to obtain advanced parameters.
• Radio occultation survey: uses GNSS signals to profile the troposphere and stratosphere with great precision.
• Sentinel-5 Spectrometer: core of the Copernicus contribution to measuring trace gases y aerosol sprays.

The Sentinel-5 spectrometer It is an advanced instrument that detects compounds such as ozone, NO2, SO2, formaldehyde, glyoxal, CO y methane, in addition to aerosols. Their measurements will allow for the assessment of radiation exposure. ultraviolet, monitor pollution and support public health alert services.

The data will not only improve weather forecasting, but will also feed into applications of now-casting, oceanography, hydrology, analysis of atmospheric composition and monitoring of climate, generating essential time series for the scientific community and meteorological services.

Constellation, operations and partners

After orbital insertion, the satellite of approximately four tons deployed his solar panel and began health and safety checks. These initial checks are routine and allow the start-up phase to begin.

MetOp-SG-A1 It is the first element in a series of three pairs; each pair forms a satellite A and other B with different instruments but complementary. The next in the series, MetOp-SG-B1, is planned for next year and will include four additional payloads.

This second generation ensures the continuity of the legacy of MetOp and provides greater resolution y precision. The first generation satellites were already essential for perfecting European forecasts on horizons of 12h a 10 days; now, the observation capacity is expanded by offering data 24/7 from polar orbits.

The mission is the result of cooperation between the ESA y Eumetsat: The European Space Agency leads the design and construction, and Eumetsat manages the launch service, the ground segment, operations and the distribution of data to national centers, such as AEMET. Furthermore, it is the first European contribution to the Joint Polar System in collaboration with NOAA.

During its development, companies from 16 European countries y CanadaIn Spain, they stand out Airbus Crisa (power and instrument control), GMV (control and operations), Indra (processors), archimea (thermal control), ALTER (essays), HV Systems (equipment) and Thales Alenia Space (communications).

An architecture has been designed that will allow the satellite to operate at least 21 years, with improvements in continuity and policies end of life. MetOp-SG-A1 has a controlled reentry at the end of its mission to reduce the generation of space debris.

With the launch confirmed, the commissioning phase will allow each instrument to be calibrated and the chain of indictment before routine product delivery. The goal is to provide high-quality measurements to improve the tools prediction, strengthen surveillance of the contamination and support public decisions in the face of extreme events.