ESA Moves MetOp-SG-B1 Weather Satellite to Cleanroom
The European weather satellite arrived in Kourou and is now being readied for a planned launch on an Ariane 6 rocket.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Current Conditions
The European Space Agency transferred the MetOp-SG-B1 satellite to a cleanroom at Europe's Spaceport after it arrived in Kourou on 16 October. The satellite had been shipped from Bordeaux, France, aboard the sail-assisted transport vessel Canopée.
Why it matters
MetOp-SG-B1 is the second satellite in the MetOp-SG series that carries instruments measuring temperature, precipitation, clouds and winds. Its arrival keeps the mission on track for a planned launch toward the end of 2026.
The satellite spent more than 12 years in development and was kept at a steady 22°C in its storage container during transport. The exact launch date has not been set beyond a target of the end of 2026.
The players
European Space Agency (ESA)
The European Space Agency is the intergovernmental body that develops and operates Europe's space missions, including the MetOp weather satellite program.
The details
After departing Bordeaux on 6 October aboard Canopée, the satellite remained in its transport container until launch preparations began. Over the coming weeks, the campaign will proceed through switch-on, final checks and fuelling before the satellite is integrated for flight.
Timeline
August 2025: MetOp-SG-A1, the first satellite in the series, launched.
6 October: MetOp-SG-B1 departed Bordeaux, France, aboard Canopée.
16 October: MetOp-SG-B1 arrived in Kourou, French Guiana.
Over the coming weeks: Switch-on, final checks and fuelling are scheduled.
End of 2026: Planned launch of MetOp-SG-B1 on Ariane 6.
Seasonal Patterns
MetOp-SG-B1 extends the MetOp-SG series that follows the earlier MetOp satellites in polar orbit, which has supplied continuous global weather observations. Its arrival adds to the pair that will provide the long-running data record the mission is designed to deliver.
The MetOp-SG satellites supply the meteorological data that feeds forecasts used worldwide, so the mission's continuity supports the accuracy of everyday weather predictions. No specific action is required from the public at this stage.
The takeaway
Long-running satellite programs such as MetOp depend on staggered launches so that observations continue without gaps. Keeping pace with these missions helps readers understand where their forecast data comes from.
What happens next
The satellite will undergo switch-on, final checks and fuelling over the coming weeks before its planned launch on an Ariane 6 rocket toward the end of 2026.
Further reading
For ongoing satellite observations, see the Current Conditions section.
