The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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The MetOp satellites each weighs over 4000 kg and measure 17.6 m x 6.5 m x 5.2 m after the solar array and antennas have deployed following launch. Once MetOp is in the correct position the solar array, which is on the zenith side of the satellite, is gently deployed to face the Sun. This procedure takes up to 17 minutes and happens in two stages. Initially, the solar array arm rotates 120° up and over. Then the large eight-section panel opens out to face the Sun. There are three satellites in the series, launched sequentially to ensure continuous observations for numerical weather prediction – the basis for weather forecasting.