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METOP-A (29499)
COSPAR: 2006-044A | Alt Name: METOP A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 19, 2006
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC31
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-2-1A
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
29499
International Designator
2006-044A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:30:14 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
98.33°
Right Ascension
292.51°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
15.34°
Period
97.56 min
Mean Motion
14.76 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
METOP-A
Alternative Name
METOP A
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
EUMET
Country
EUMETSAT
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 29499U 06044A 26185.27100174 .00001518 00000-0 17961-3 0 9993
2 29499 98.3346 292.5091 0173973 15.3359 13.5483 14.76028685 27978
Source: Celestrak
Summary
METOP-A is a meteorology satellite launched on October 19, 2006, from the Tyuratam Space Center using a Soyuz-2-1A launch vehicle from LC31. The spacecraft measures 6.3 meters in length, has a diameter of 3.4 meters, and spans 17.6 meters with its solar panels deployed. It had a launch mass of 4086 kilograms and a dry mass of 3769 kilograms. METOP-A is equipped with multiple instruments including A/DCS, AMSU, ASCAT, AVHRR/3, GOME-2, GRAS, HIRS/4, IASI, MHS, SARP/3, SARR, and SEM-2 for meteorological observations. Its power supply consists of a deployable solar array and batteries. The satellite was manufactured by EADSB for the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) and has an expected lifetime of 5 years.
Physical Characteristics
Length
6.3
Diameter
3.4
Span
17.6
Dry Mass
3769
Launch Mass
4086
Shape
Box + Pan
Radar Cross Section
11.2479
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
METOP A
Purpose
Meteorology
Mission
Meteorology
Manufacturer
EADSB
Life Expectancy
5 years
Bus
Metop
Configuration
PPF/SPOT Mk.3
Motor
AOCS
Equipment
A/DCS, AMSU, ASCAT, AVHRR/3, GOME-2, GRAS, HIRS/4, IASI, MHS, SARP/3, SARR, SEM-2
Power System
Deployable solar array, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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