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.

Last reviewed: 1 source cited

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

Active. Dates per ESA; missions shift.

Explain Like I'm 10

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 , as well as 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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For Teachers

Discussion questions

  1. What is MetOp-SG-A1 and Sentinel-5A, and what problem does it help solve?
  2. Who is behind MetOp-SG-A1 and Sentinel-5A, and where does the work happen?
  3. How does MetOp-SG-A1 and Sentinel-5A help both people and nature? Use one fact from this page.

Sources are listed with each fact in the Five W's above.

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Cite This Page

APA

Saving Planets. (n.d.). MetOp-SG-A1 and Sentinel-5A. https://www.savingplanets.com/MetOp-SG-A1_Sentinel-5A.html

MLA

"MetOp-SG-A1 and Sentinel-5A." Saving Planets, https://www.savingplanets.com/MetOp-SG-A1_Sentinel-5A.html.

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