MetOpSG

MetOp-SG, short for Meteorological Operational Satellite - Second Generation, is a planned European weather satellite program designed to ensure continuity and enhancement of meteorological observations for numerical weather prediction and climate monitoring. It follows the MetOp series (A, B, C) and is led by EUMETSAT with involvement from the European Space Agency and national space agencies, drawing on the heritage of previous MetOp missions.

The program envisions two series of satellites, MetOp-SG A and MetOp-SG B, with two spacecraft in each series. They are intended to operate in complementary sun-synchronous polar orbits to provide improved global coverage and data continuity as older MetOp satellites near end of life, while enabling enhanced sensing capabilities.

Payload comprises infrared and microwave sounding instruments, radiometers, and a GNSS radio occultation instrument to derive vertical atmospheric profiles and other geophysical parameters. The data are intended for assimilation by numerical weather prediction models and for climate monitoring, benefiting weather services and research across Europe and beyond.

MetOp-SG is a collaborative effort among European space agencies and industry, with contracts awarded for platforms and instruments as part of a broader strategy to maintain Europe’s independent access to essential meteorological data. As with many space programs, schedules and technical details have evolved, but MetOp-SG is positioned to extend long-term data continuity well into the 2030s.