MetOp
Overview
MetOp, or Meteorological Operational Satellite, is a series of European meteorological satellites operated by European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites. These satellites form a crucial part of the EUMETSAT Polar System (EPS), which provides essential data for weather forecasting and climate monitoring. MetOp satellites are designed to operate in low Earth orbit, providing a polar orbiting platform that complements the geostationary satellites of the Meteosat series.
The MetOp program is a collaborative effort between EUMETSAT and the European Space Agency (ESA), with contributions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States. The program aims to ensure continuity of meteorological data collection, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of weather predictions and climate research.
Development and Launch
The development of the MetOp series began in the late 1990s, with the first satellite, MetOp-A, launched on October 19, 2006. The program was conceived to replace the NOAA polar orbiting satellites, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity of data. MetOp-A was followed by MetOp-B, launched on September 17, 2012, and MetOp-C, launched on November 7, 2018.
Each MetOp satellite is equipped with a suite of sophisticated instruments designed to measure various atmospheric parameters. These instruments provide data on temperature, humidity, wind speed, and direction, as well as atmospheric composition and sea surface temperature. The data collected by MetOp satellites are vital for numerical weather prediction models, which are used by meteorological agencies worldwide.
Satellite Instruments
MetOp satellites carry a range of advanced instruments, many of which are developed in collaboration with international partners. Key instruments include:
- **Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU-A):** This instrument measures atmospheric temperature and humidity profiles. It operates in the microwave spectrum, allowing it to penetrate clouds and provide data in all weather conditions.
- **Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI):** Developed by the French Space Agency (CNES), IASI provides high-resolution data on atmospheric temperature and humidity. It also measures trace gases, contributing to climate monitoring and research.
- **Global Navigation Satellite System Receiver for Atmospheric Sounding (GRAS):** This instrument uses signals from GNSS satellites to measure atmospheric refractivity, providing data on temperature, pressure, and humidity.
- **Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT):** ASCAT measures wind speed and direction over the ocean surface, providing crucial data for weather forecasting and climate studies.
- **Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment-2 (GOME-2):** GOME-2 monitors atmospheric ozone levels and other trace gases, contributing to the understanding of atmospheric chemistry and environmental monitoring.
Mission Objectives
The primary objective of the MetOp program is to provide continuous, high-quality meteorological data to support weather forecasting and climate research. The data collected by MetOp satellites are used by meteorological agencies worldwide to improve the accuracy of weather predictions and to monitor long-term climate trends.
MetOp satellites also contribute to the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), an international initiative aimed at integrating Earth observation data from multiple sources to improve environmental monitoring and management.
Operational Challenges
Operating a series of polar orbiting satellites presents several challenges, including the need for precise orbit maintenance and data transmission. MetOp satellites are designed to operate in a sun-synchronous orbit, ensuring consistent lighting conditions for their instruments. This orbit requires regular adjustments to maintain, necessitating a robust ground control infrastructure.
Data transmission is another critical aspect of the MetOp program. The satellites transmit data to ground stations in near real-time, allowing meteorological agencies to incorporate the information into their forecasting models quickly. This requires a network of ground stations and a reliable communication infrastructure.
Future Developments
The success of the MetOp program has led to the development of a second generation of satellites, known as MetOp-SG (Second Generation). These satellites are expected to launch in the mid-2020s, providing enhanced capabilities and ensuring the continuity of data collection. MetOp-SG will feature improved instruments, offering higher resolution and greater accuracy in data collection.
The MetOp-SG program is a collaborative effort between EUMETSAT, ESA, and other international partners. It aims to build on the success of the first generation of MetOp satellites, providing even more valuable data for weather forecasting and climate research.