EUMETSAT Takes Charge of First Metop Second Generation Satellite

Successful Launch and Control: EUMETSAT has officially taken control of the Metop Second Generation A1 (Metop-SGA1) satellite after its successful launch and early operations phase, marking a significant milestone for the EUMETSAT Polar System – Second Generation (EPS-SG).

Collaboration and Technology: The satellite was launched on August 13, 2025, from Kourou, French Guiana, with contributions from EUMETSAT, ESA, Telespazio Italy, Airbus Defence and Space, and others, featuring advanced instruments including those from the Copernicus Sentinel-5 mission.

Impact on Weather Forecasting: The EPS-SG program aims to enhance weather forecasting and climate monitoring, providing critical data that is expected to yield a return on investment of at least 20:1 for the EU-27 economy.

Next Steps in Operations: Following the successful LEOP, EUMETSAT will now enter the commissioning phase for Metop-SGA1, preparing it for full operational status as a vital source of data for numerical weather prediction.