European Union's Metop-SGA1 Satellite Launch
The European Union's latest meteorological satellite, Metop-SGA1, successfully lifted off aboard an Ariane-62 rocket from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, at 02:37 CEST on August 13. This satellite, part of the EUMETSAT Polar System—Second Generation (EPS-SG), also carries the Copernicus Sentinel-5 mission, marking a significant advancement in weather observation technology.
Orbital Position and Data Transmission
Positioned in a polar orbit approximately 800 kilometers above Earth, Metop-SGA1 will soon transmit detailed, high-resolution data from six advanced instruments. These observations will continue Europe's vital role in weather forecasting, providing crucial information for predictions from 12 hours up to 10 days ahead. Improved data will help meteorologists issue earlier warnings for storms, heatwaves, and other extreme events, supporting sectors such as agriculture, energy, and transportation.
Significance and Collaborations
EUMETSAT Director-General Phil Evans emphasized the importance of this mission, citing its role in combating the economic and human toll of climate-related ...