Europe to launch enhanced weather satellite
The first of Europe’s Second Generation polar-orbiting weather satellites is set to enhance the accuracy of weather forecasts and provide improved data for climate modelling
METOP-SG-A1
Solar panels
Forecasts: 12 hours to 10 days ahead
Six instruments to improve understanding of atmospheric, land and ocean processes
3MI: Monitors aerosol  particles in cloud formation
Copernicus Sentinel-5 UVNS
Near infrared shortwave infrared sounder
Measures atmospheric composition
METimage
Multi-spectral visible infrared imager
High resolution cloud and surface images, sea ice and ocean surface
IASI-NG Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer – New Generation. Temperature and humidity profiles, atmospheric gas composition
RO Radio Occultation Sounder
Temperature and humidity sounding
MWS Microwave sounder
Sees through clouds to surface snow and ice 
Polar orbit: Circles Earth 14 times per day for greater coverage
Layers of data for high quality atmospheric forecasts
Source: ESA, EUMETSAT
Pictures: EUMETSAT
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