ESA launches new satellite to improve weather forecasting and climate analysis
The European Space Agency and EUMETSAT – the operator of European weather satellites – will launch a new-generation weather satellite into space on Wednesday morning.
The mission of the MetOp-SG-A1 satellite, which will depart from French Guiana, is to take measurements of gases and substances in the atmosphere. It will collect data on ozone, methane, UV radiation and vegetation fluorescence and is expected to remain operational until 2040.
The satellite will be launched from the European Spaceport in Kourou on board an Ariane-62 rocket at 2.37 CEST on Wednesday.
"The satellite will carry out crucial measurements, both for weather forecasts and for monitoring climate change"
MetOp-SG-A1 is the first in a series of three pairs of satellites. It will be followed by its partner satellite, MetOp-SG-B1, next year.
Data from the first-generation MetOp satellites has allowed greater accuracy of European weather forecasts for periods ranging from 12 hours to 10 days, the ESA said.
“But now it’s time for the MetOp-Second Generation mission, or MetOp-SG for short, to take over the reigns," it said, "not only to ensure the continuity of global observations from polar orbit for weather forecasting and climate analysis, but to do it even better.”
Belgium is contributing to the mission through Belspo, its science policy office. “The satellite will carry out crucial measurements, both for weather forecasts and for monitoring climate change,” said spokesperson Hannelise Boerjan.
Increased independence
The information collected is "indispensable" for services such as storm warnings and air pollution monitoring.
The importance of independent European space missions will only grow in the coming years. Earlier this month, US public broadcaster NPR reported that Donald Trump wants to end at least two NASA meteorological missions.
These involve two satellites with CO2 measurement systems, which also provide essential information for Europe. The ESA will launch its own CO2 satellites next year, though the timing has not yet been confirmed.
Wednesday's launch can be watched live on the ESA and EUMETSAT websites.
The MetOp-SG A1 at the Ariane 6 launch complex at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, 6 August 2025 © PHOTO ESA - M Pédoussaut
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