Europe launched a new weather satellite: how it will change weather forecasting.

On August 12, a rocket Ariane 6 carrying the Metop-SGA1 meteorological satellite of the European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) was launched from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. This was the second commercial launch for the new European launch vehicle operated by Arianespace and it was successful - the satellite was deployed at an altitude of 800 km after a flight duration of 1 hour and 4 minutes.

A few minutes after separation, EUMETSAT confirmed the receipt of the signal from Metop-SGA1.

European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius congratulated all specialists involved in the project and emphasized the beginning of a 'new era in atmospheric observations'. Arianespace's CEO David Cavaillès also highlighted the importance of this successful launch for ensuring Europe's access to space and supporting environmental missions.

'The success underscores our commitment to providing Europe with autonomous and reliable access to space, as well as supporting an ambitious environmental mission that will provide advanced data for monitoring weather and climate,' said Arianespace CEO David Cavaillès.

The Metop-SGA1 satellite is the first of a new generation of European polar-orbiting meteorological satellites, which will provide advanced data for atmospheric monitoring. It was created by Airbus Defence and Space under a contract with the European Space Agency and will be operated by EUMETSAT. Overall, the launch of Metop-SGA1 marks the beginning of a new era in atmospheric observations and supports an ambitious environmental mission for monitoring weather and climate.