EO·Atlas
MetOp-C
Compiled from public sources on 2026-06-11. Not independently verified by EUMETSAT.
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MetOp-C is the third EUMETSAT polar-orbiting meteorological satellite. Launched November 2018, commissioned early 2019. Sun-synchronous orbit at 827 km, LTAN 09:31 descending. Does not carry HIRS/4 (unlike MetOp-A and MetOp-B). Carries AMSU-A, MHS, IASI, ASCAT, AVHRR/3, GOME-2, GRAS, SEM-2. EOL estimated 2033 or later.
MetOp-C is the third and final satellite of the EUMETSAT Polar System (EPS), a joint ESA-EUMETSAT operational meteorological programme. Launched 7 November 2018 from Baikonur on a Soyuz rocket, it was commissioned in early 2019. The satellite operates in a sun-synchronous orbit at 827 km altitude with a 09:31 descending local solar time (LTAN).[1][2]
Unlike MetOp-A and MetOp-B, MetOp-C does not carry HIRS/4, giving it a 10-instrument payload rather than 12.[1] The suite comprises AMSU-A, MHS, IASI, ASCAT, AVHRR/3, GOME-2, GRAS, SEM-2, an Argos-3 data collection system, and a Search and Rescue transponder. WMO OSCAR records AMSU-A and MHS as degraded on MetOp-C; EUMETSAT lists the satellite as operationally active.[1][2]
MetOp-C currently serves as the primary operational NWP satellite in the EPS constellation. End-of-life is estimated at 2033 or later, according to mission planning documentation, though this date has not been publicly confirmed.[2]
Compositional position
- [1]WMO OSCAR - MetOp-C satellite recordagency doc2026-06-11
- [2]EUMETSAT MetOp satellite seriesoperator engineering2026-06-11
- [3]MetOp programme, eoPortalcommunity2026-06-11