MetOp-A is readied for its July flight on the upgraded Soyuz 2-1a launcher

June 16, 2006

Europe's MetOp-A polar-orbiting meteorological satellite is undergoing its checkout at Baikonur Cosmodrome in preparation for the spacecraft's July 17 launch on a Soyuz 2-1a mission performed by Starsem.

The upgraded Soyuz 2-1a launcher features a larger payload fairing along with improved launcher navigation accuracy and control capability. Equipped with an enlarged payload fairing 11.4-meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter, the Soyuz 2-1a will be used beginning in 2008 for Soyuz missions performed from Europe's Spaceport.

The following photos detail MetOp-A's preparation at Baikonur Cosmodrome (click on the images for a larger version):


 

Pre-launch checkout of MetOp-A is being performed in Starsem's state-of-the-art payload preparation facilities at Baikonur Cosmodrome. With a launch mass of just over 4,000 kg., MetOp-A builds on the heritage gained with Europe's successful series of meteorological and Earth observation satellites. After its launch by the Soyuz 2-1a, MetOp-A will operate from an altitude of about 837 km.


The Soyuz 2-1a's new payload fairing will accommodate the large MetOp-A satellite, which was built by EADS-Astrium, and carries a total of 12 instruments developed in cooperation with the French CNES national space agency and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

 


 

MetOp-A's checkout has included inspection of the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) and the High resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS/4) - two instruments that were provided by NOAA. The AVHRR provides day and night imaging of land, water and clouds, measures sea surface temperature, ice, snow and vegetation cover. The HIRS is an atmospheric sounding instrument for measuring temperature profiles, moisture content, cloud height and surface albedo.


  • See the other mission updates:


    • >  Launch postponement for the MetOp-A satellite (July 20, 2006)
    >  MetOp-A: launch postponed (July 19, 2006)
    >  MetOp-A satellite launch (July 19, 2006)
    >  Postponement of the MetOp-A launch (July 18, 2006)
    >  MetOp-A: launch postponed (July 17, 2006)
    >  Soyuz 2-1a moves to the launch pad with MetOp-A (July 14, 2006)
    >  MetOp-A is mated to its Soyuz 2-1a launcher (July 12, 2006)
    >  MetOp-A is integrated in its protective payload fairing (July 11, 2006)
    >  The improved Soyuz 2-1a launcher's new payload fairing is ready for flight (June 28, 2006)
    >  MetOp-A launch campaign begins at Baikonur Cosmodrome (April 22, 2006)

  • For additional information on the MetOp-A mission, read the Launch Kit.
  • Watch the MetOp-A launch live.
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