Metop-A

Metop-A was the first satellite of EUMETSAT’s first-generation Polar System, launched on 19 October 2006. Its complementary infrared, microwave and radio-occultation measurements supported weather forecasting, climate monitoring, atmospheric chemistry, and ocean and ice studies. Instruments included IASI, GRAS, ASCAT, GOME-2, AVHRR/3, AMSU-A, MHS and HIRS/4. After Metop-B became the primary satellite in April 2013, Metop-A continued as a secondary platform. Instrument performance and dissemination capabilities changed during its extended life; the mission was officially retired on 15 November 2021.