MetOp-SG-A1 and Sentinel-5A

Launched August 2025 on Ariane 6, MetOp-SG-A1 carries Sentinel-5, which delivers daily global data on air pollutants, ozone and climate gases.

Image: NASA.

MetOp-SG-A1 and Sentinel-5A: Mission Status

Active. Dates per ESA; missions shift.

The Five W's of MetOp-SG-A1 and Sentinel-5A

Who

ESA and EUMETSAT, with Sentinel-5 for the EU’s Copernicus programme.

Source: ESA, First MetOp-SG satellite and Sentinel-5A launched

What

The first MetOp Second Generation weather satellite, carrying the Copernicus Sentinel-5 air-quality instrument.

Source: ESA, First MetOp-SG satellite and Sentinel-5A launched

When

Launched August 13, 2025 on an Ariane 6 from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou.

Source: ESA, First MetOp-SG satellite and Sentinel-5A launched

Where

Orbiting Earth every 100 minutes, seeing the whole globe each day.

Source: ESA, First MetOp-SG satellite and Sentinel-5A launched

Why

To track air pollution, ozone and climate gases, and to sharpen weather forecasts.

Source: ESA, First MetOp-SG satellite and Sentinel-5A launched

Impact Statement

Agency solution · active

Sentinel-5 provides daily global data on air pollutants and trace gases such as ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and methane, as well as aerosols and UV radiation. The data feed the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring and Climate Change services.

Source: ESA, First MetOp-SG satellite and Sentinel-5A launched

MetOp-SG is a series of six satellites operating in successive pairs over at least the next 20 years.

Source: ESA, First MetOp-SG satellite and Sentinel-5A launched

For Further Information: ESA, First MetOp-SG satellite and Sentinel-5A launched

How This Saves People & the Planet

For People

Daily air-pollution data help authorities monitor pollution and make decisions, and better weather data matter: EUMETSAT notes extreme weather has cost Europe tens of thousands of lives over the past 40 years.

Source: ESA, First MetOp-SG satellite and Sentinel-5A launched

For Nature

Sentinel-5 tracks ozone, methane and other climate-related gases every day, feeding the Copernicus Climate Change Service so changes in our atmosphere are caught early.

Source: ESA, First MetOp-SG satellite and Sentinel-5A launched

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