MetOp-SG-A1 and Sentinel-5 Launch: Europe’s Next-Generation Weather and Climate Watchdog Heads to Space
On 13 August 2025, Europe will launch its most advanced meteorological satellite to date. The MetOp-SG-A1 weather satellite, carrying the powerful Copernicus Sentinel-5 instrument, is set to lift off aboard the inaugural flight of the Ariane 6 rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. This mission marks a major leap forward in global weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and air quality observation.
Scheduled for launch at 02:37 CEST (00:37 UTC) on 13 August (21:37 local time on 12 August in Kourou), this event is not just a technological milestone — it’s a critical step in safeguarding our planet’s future. You can watch the launch live on ESA Web TV One, as the world tunes in to witness the dawn of a new era in Earth observation.
What Is MetOp-SG-A1? Europe’s New Weather Sentinel
MetOp-SG-A1 (Meteorological Operational Satellite – Second Generation A1) is the first satellite in Europe’s next-generation polar-orbiting weather satellite series. It is the successor to the highly successful first-generation MetOp satellites (MetOp-A, B, and C), which have been the single most important factor in improving the accuracy of European weather forecasts over the past 15 years.
According to the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), data from the original MetOp satellites contributed to up to 25% of the improvement in forecast accuracy for predictions ranging from 12 hours to 10 days ahead. With climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the need for even more precise data has never been greater.
The MetOp-SG mission is designed to ensure the continuity of global observations from polar orbit for over two decades, while delivering higher resolution, improved accuracy, and new measurement capabilities that expand its scientific reach far beyond its predecessors.
The Launch: A Historic Moment for European Spaceflight
This launch is historic for two reasons:
- It is the first flight of the new Ariane 6 rocket, Europe’s next-generation launch vehicle designed to be more flexible and cost-effective than Ariane 5.
- It marks the beginning of the MetOp-SG era, a mission developed through a long-standing partnership between the European Space Agency (ESA) and EUMETSAT (the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites).
Live Launch Timeline (All Times in CEST – Central European Summer Time)
| 02:10 | Arianespace live broadcast begins |
| 02:14 | Introductions, expert interviews, and mission status updates |
| 02:37 | Liftoff of Ariane 6 with MetOp-SG-A1 and Sentinel-5 |
| 03:02 | Broadcast break |
| 03:30 | Live broadcast resumes with commentary |
| 03:46 | Acquisition of signal from the satellite |
| 04:00 | Broadcast concludes |
You can follow the entire event live on ESA Web TV , where real-time updates, animations, and expert analysis will be provided.
The MetOp-SG Satellite Series: A Dual-Satellite System
The MetOp-SG mission consists of six satellites, launched in three pairs: MetOp-SG-A1 and B1, followed by A2 and B2, and finally A3 and B3. Each pair includes two different types of satellites:
- A-type satellites (like MetOp-SG-A1): Focused on atmospheric sounding and imaging.
- B-type satellites: Focused on microwave observations, wind measurements, and ice/ocean monitoring.
This complementary design ensures comprehensive global coverage and a wide range of data products.
Instruments on Board MetOp-SG-A1
MetOp-SG-A1 carries six advanced instruments, including the crucial Copernicus Sentinel-5:
- Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer – New Generation (IASI-NG): Measures temperature and humidity profiles in the atmosphere with unprecedented accuracy.
- MicroWave Imager (MWI): Provides data on atmospheric humidity and precipitation, even through clouds.
- Multi-Viewing, Multi-Channel, Multi-Polarisation Imager (3MI): Observes aerosols and clouds from multiple angles to better understand their impact on climate.
- Multi-spectral Imager (MIR): Monitors sea and land surface temperatures, snow and ice cover, and vegetation.
- GNSS Radio Occultation Sounder (GRAS-2): Uses GPS signals to measure atmospheric temperature, pressure, and humidity.
- Copernicus Sentinel-5: The star of the mission (details below).
Copernicus Sentinel-5: The Air Quality Guardian
The Copernicus Sentinel-5 instrument is a state-of-the-art ultra-high-resolution imaging spectrometer. It builds on the success of the Sentinel-5P (Precursor) satellite but offers daily global coverage with higher spatial resolution and enhanced capabilities.
Sentinel-5 will measure the concentration and distribution of key atmospheric components, including:
- Ozone (O₃)
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)
- Sulphur dioxide (SO₂)
- Formaldehyde (HCHO)
- Glyoxal (CHOCHO)
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- Methane (CH₄)
- Aerosols
These measurements are vital for:
- Air quality monitoring and forecasting: Providing real-time data for public health alerts in cities.
- Climate change research: Tracking powerful greenhouse gases like methane and carbon monoxide.
- UV radiation forecasting: Monitoring the ozone layer that protects life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet rays.
- Environmental policy: Supporting EU and global efforts to reduce pollution and meet climate targets.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), outdoor air pollution contributes to over 4 million premature deaths worldwide every year. Sentinel-5’s data will be instrumental in combating this silent crisis by enabling early warnings and evidence-based policy decisions.
The Power of Partnership: ESA and EUMETSAT
The success of the MetOp-SG mission is a testament to the strong collaboration between two European leaders in Earth observation:
- ESA (European Space Agency): Responsible for the design, development, and procurement of the satellites.
- EUMETSAT: Responsible for the launch service, ground segment development, satellite operations, and distribution of data to meteorological services and users worldwide.
This partnership ensures that the valuable data from MetOp-SG-A1 and Sentinel-5 will be freely and openly available to scientists, weather services, and decision-makers across the globe.
Why This Launch Matters
The launch of MetOp-SG-A1 and Sentinel-5 is not just a technical achievement — it’s a commitment to a safer, healthier, and more sustainable planet. The data it provides will:
- Save lives by improving the accuracy of extreme weather warnings.
- Protect public health by tracking air pollution and issuing health alerts.
- Strengthen climate science by delivering critical data on greenhouse gases.
- Empower governments and citizens with transparent, science-based environmental information.
A New Chapter in Earth Observation Begins
On 13 August 2025, as the Ariane 6 soars into the sky with MetOp-SG-A1 and Sentinel-5 aboard, Europe will take a giant leap in its ability to monitor our planet. This mission represents the future of meteorology and environmental science — a future where advanced technology serves humanity by providing the knowledge needed to face the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation.
Don’t miss this historic moment. Mark your calendar and watch the launch live on ESA Web TV.
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