Metop Satellite Bus

Data current as of 2026-07-20.

The Metop bus accounts for 4 cataloged objects, of which 4 are in orbit and 3 are active. Most are built by EADSB. The largest operator on this bus is EUMET. The first launched in 2006, the most recent in 2025.

4
In orbit
3
Active
4
Total launched
0
Reentered

Metop launched per year

1 2006: 1 object launched 2007: 0 objects launched 2008: 0 objects launched 2009: 0 objects launched 2010: 0 objects launched 2011: 0 objects launched 2012: 1 object launched 2013: 0 objects launched 2014: 0 objects launched 2015: 0 objects launched 2016: 0 objects launched 2017: 0 objects launched 2018: 1 object launched 2019: 0 objects launched 2020: 0 objects launched 2021: 0 objects launched 2022: 0 objects launched 2023: 0 objects launched 2024: 0 objects launched 2025: 1 object launched 2006 2011 2016 2021
Still in orbit Click a year to list its satellites.

Typical specifications

Most common values across cataloged Metop satellites.

Manufacturer EADSB
Purpose Meteorology
Launch mass 4086 kg
Dry mass 3769 kg
Length 6.3 m
Diameter 3.4 m
Span 17.6 m
Shape Box + panel
Power Deployable solar array, batteries
Propulsion AOCS
Design life 5 years
Equipment A/DCS, AMSU, ASCAT, AVHRR/3, GOME-2, GRAS, HIRS/4, IASI, MHS, SARP/3, SARR, SEM-2
Typical orbit 101 min period, 99° inclination

Top operators

EUMET 4

Top countries

I-EUM 3 ESA 1

Metop satellites

Track any of them live in KeepTrack.

Name NORAD COSPAR Owner Launched Orbit Status Track
METOP SG-A 65159 2025-172A EUMET Aug 13, 2025 101 min, 98.7° Active
METOP-C METOP C 43689 2018-087A EUMET Nov 7, 2018 101 min, 98.7° Active
METOP-B METOP B 38771 2012-049A EUMET Sep 17, 2012 101 min, 98.6° Active
METOP-A METOP A 29499 2006-044A EUMET Oct 19, 2006 98 min, 98.3° Inactive

Frequently asked questions

How many Metop satellites are there?

The catalog lists 4 objects built on the Metop bus. 4 are in orbit and 0 have reentered.

How many Metop satellites are in orbit?

4 Metop objects are currently in orbit, of which 3 carry an active status.

Who builds the Metop bus?

The Metop bus is most commonly built by EADSB.

When did the first Metop satellite launch?

The first cataloged Metop satellite launched in 2006, and the most recent in 2025.

Satellite data compiled by KeepTrack from CelesTrak, Space-Track, and GCAT, provided under CC BY-NC 4.0.