Artistic rendition of the MetOp-B satellite, courtesy of Astrium.

...Eumetsat prime operational service from MetOp-A, assuring long-term continuity of vital weather and climate data. MetOp-B, launched on September 17, 2012, has replaced its predecessor MetOp-A as Europe’s prime operational polar-orbiting satellite, following the end of its commissioning period. MetOp-A, which was launched on October 19, 2006, and has already exceeded its nominal service-life, will remain in service for as long as it continues to bring benefits to users. Moreover, employing the two satellites side by side enables the accuracy of short range weather forecasts to be improved still further through the increased amount of measurements available when faced with rapidly forming natural phenomena such as cyclones.

Images courtesy of EUMETSAT.

The MetOp satellites are Europe’s first operational meteorological satellites in polar orbit. They deliver data for Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP)—the basis of modern weather forecasting—and climate and environmental monitoring. Observations from MetOp-A have significantly improved weather forecasts as much as 10 days ahead—these forecasts are essential to protect life and limit damage to property, but they also benefit the weather-sensitive sectors of the European economy, especially energy, transportation, construction, agriculture and tourism.

MetOp-B began delivering first data within two weeks of its launch, allowing expert users to participate in the product calibration and validation activities. The satellite was declared operational onJanuary 29th, bringing operational quality products from most instruments to the user community within three months of launch.