EUMETSAT Takes Control of New Era of Polar-Orbiting Satellite
Milestone Metop-SGA1 Commissioning Expected to Benefit Weather Forecasts Worldwide
Europe’s meteorological monitoring efforts advanced sharply as EUMETSAT took control of the Metop Second Generation A1 (Metop-SGA1) satellite after a series of precision orbital maneuvers. The transition marks a major milestone for EUMETSAT, aiming to elevate life-saving weather forecasts and climate monitoring with next-generation technology.
“Successfully positioning Metop-SGA1 in orbit in the correct configuration on board is an achievement that reflects years of outstanding teamwork and dedication.”
Valeria Bozzi, EUMETSAT
Metop-SGA1, launched August 13, 2025, from Kourou, French Guiana, is the first of Europe’s Polar System – Second Generation satellites. Outfitted with advanced instruments, including the Copernicus Sentinel-5, the satellite will deliver critical data to meteorologists across Europe and beyond, supporting more accurate and timely weather predictions.
The spacecraft’s launch and early operations phase (LEOP) began when Metop-SGA1 separated from its launch vehicle, initiating a carefully planned and executed sequence of activities, including solar panel deployment, propulsion system activation, attitude stabilization, and a series of orbital maneuvers. The satellite is now drifting in tandem with its predecessor, Metop-C – a strategy designed to improve the accuracy, stability and continuity of Earth observation data provided by Metop series satellites.
“While the LEOP lasted just three intense days, successfully positioning Metop-SGA1 in orbit in the correct configuration on board is an achievement that reflects years of outstanding teamwork and dedication from engineers and managers at EUMETSAT, ESA, Airbus, and Telespazio," said Valeria Bozzi, service manager for Metop operations at EUMETSAT. "Now that EUMETSAT has taken control of Metop-SGA1, we move into the satellite’s commissioning phase – preparing it for full operations, where it will become one of the most important sources of data for numerical weather prediction. This will help improve life-saving forecasts and strengthen climate monitoring in Europe and around the world.”
The successful completion of Metop-SGA1’s LEOP marks a major milestone in the deployment of the EUMETSAT Polar System – Second Generation (EPS-SG), Europe’s next-generation polar-orbiting weather satellite program.