MetOp-A is the first in a series of three Polar System satellites developed by ESA for EUMETSAT, the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites. It will orbit at an altitutde of about 837 kilometers (519 miles).

The MetOp satellites, with a planned operational lifetime until 2020, will be the first polar orbiting satellite fleet dedicated to meteorology. Their instrument packages represent state-of-the-art technology and are expected to improve both global weather forecasting and climate monitoring activities at EUMETSAT.

After undergoing a mechanical and environmental test campaign, the spacecraft passed the acceptance review last year and the recent compatibility test between satellite and ground segment cleared the way for its shipment to Baikonur.

The shipment included the service module, payload module and solar array, plus the electrical and mechanical ground support equipment needed for the launch. The mission includes a total of 12 instruments developed in cooperation with CNES and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

MetOp is scheduled for launch July 17 at 22.28 Baikonur Time, aboard the Soyuz ST Fregat launcher operated by Starsem.

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