Two MetOp Second Generation satellites have been brought together to stand side-by-side for testing at Airbus’ facilities in Toulouse, France. Comprising six satellites in total, the new MetOp-SG mission is based on a pair of satellites, type-A and type-B, that carry different instruments. The series is set to deliver a wealth of meteorological information for over 20 years.

The photograph shows MetOp-SG-A, which is horizontal in the foreground and MetOp-SG-B standing vertical on the right.

Credits: ESA–M. Pedoussaut

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MetOp-SG-A1 has been at Airbus’ facilities in France for around two years where engineers have been carefully integrating its instrument package. These sensors include an infrared sounding interferometer, a radio occultation instrument and a microwave sounder, which use different techniques to measure atmospheric humidity and temperature, along with an instrument that images aerosols and a multispectral visible and infrared imaging radiometer, and the Copernicus Sentinel-5 instrument that provides data on air pollutants.

The photograph shows the satellite in a horizontal position with its instruments facing downwards. The solar panel will be mounted on the front face in few months’ time before the satellite is shipped to the launch site for liftoff in 2025.

Credits: ESA - M. Pédoussaut

Tags:   Toulouse ESA European Space Agency Space Universe Cosmos Space Science Science Space Technology Tech Technology MetOp-SG-A1 In The Clean Room Space Craft MetOp-SG

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