MetOp-A

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

16:28:13

Thursday October 19, 2006

Mission Details

Launch Notes

Flight ST-16.

MetOp-A

Wiki

METOP (Meteorological Operational) is Europe's first polar-orbiting operational meteorological satellite. It is the European contribution to the Initial Joint Polar System (IJPS), a co-operative agreement between Eumetsat and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide data for climate and environmental monitoring and improved weather forecasting. The first Metop satellite was launched in 2006, with the other two following at five-year intervals. In total, the programmes will be operational for at least 14 years. The Metop system will deliver valuable information on the atmosphere, land masses and sea surfaces for about 14 years – both during the day and at night. The satellites' main task is to measure the temperature and humidity of the atmosphere, but they will also observe clouds, measure the wind speed on the sea surface and monitor the ozone content of the atmosphere. Metop will also be able to collect data from ground and sea-based measuring stations and transmit rescue signals.

Sun-Synchronous Orbit

1 Payload

4,244 kilograms

Rocket

Active
Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat

Active Since 2006

RKK Energiya logo

Manufacturer

RKK Energiya

Price

$23.00 million

Rocket

Height: 46.94m

Payload to Orbit

LEO: 7,020 kg

GTO: 2,810 kg

Liftoff Thrust

4,550 Kilonewtons

Fairing

Diameter: 4.11m

Height: 10.2m

Stages

4

Strap-ons

4

Launch Site

Site 31/6

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan

Fastest Turnaround

47 hr 9 min

Stats

Soyuz 2.1a


2nd

Mission

1st

Mission of 2006

2006


47th

Orbital launch attempt