# MetOp-B

> European meteorology satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q3133791](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3133791)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/metop-b

## Summary

MetOp-B is a MetOp. No additional information is available.

## Summary
MetOp-B is a European meteorology satellite, part of the MetOp series, operated by EUMETSAT and launched in 2012 to support weather forecasting and climate monitoring.

## Key Facts
- It is a European meteorology satellite in the MetOp series, operated by EUMETSAT.
- Launched on September 17, 2012, from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 aboard a Soyuz-2.1a rocket.
- Has a gross mass of 4087 kilograms and an empty mass of 3771 kilograms.
- Operates in Sun-synchronous orbit and is powered by a photovoltaic system.
- Follows MetOp-A and is followed by MetOp-C.
- Manufactured by Space Systems and carries instruments like the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit and Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer.

### FAQs
### Q: What is MetOp-B used for?
A: MetOp-B is a European meteorology satellite used for weather forecasting and climate monitoring, carrying instruments to observe atmospheric conditions.

### Q: When was MetOp-B launched?
A: MetOp-B was launched on September 17, 2012, at 16:28:40 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31.

### Q: Which organization operates MetOp-B?
A: MetOp-B is operated by EUMETSAT (European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites).

## Why It Matters
MetOp-B plays a critical role in global weather forecasting and climate research by providing continuous observations of Earth's atmosphere. Its instruments, such as the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit and Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer, collect data on temperature, humidity, and ozone levels, which are essential for improving short-term weather predictions and long-term climate models. By operating in Sun-synchronous orbit, MetOp-B ensures consistent coverage of the planet, enabling meteorologists to track weather patterns and climate changes with high accuracy. This satellite contributes to more reliable forecasts, helping to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events and support climate adaptation strategies worldwide.

## Notable For
- It is the second satellite in the MetOp series, following MetOp-A and preceding MetOp-C.
- Carries multiple advanced scientific instruments, including the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment and Microwave Humidity Sounder, to enhance atmospheric monitoring capabilities.
- Uses a photovoltaic system with two solar panels (each with 2210 units of power output) to generate energy for operations.
- Operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit, ensuring consistent orbital characteristics for long-term data collection.

## Body
### Launch and Orbit
MetOp-B was launched on September 17, 2012, at 16:28:40 UTC from Site 31 of the Baikonur Cosmodrome using a Soyuz-2.1a rocket (with the designation L 15000-012). It is placed in a Sun-synchronous orbit, which allows it to pass over the same location on Earth at the same local solar time, ensuring consistent data collection for meteorological observations.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: Gross weight is 4087 kilograms; empty weight is 3771 kilograms.
- **Power**: Powered by a photovoltaic system with two solar panels, each providing 2210 units of power (unit unspecified, but referenced as Q25236 in qualifiers).
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit, enabling consistent coverage of Earth's surface for weather monitoring.

### Operational Details
- **Operator**: EUMETSAT (European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites) is responsible for operating MetOp-B.
- **Sponsor**: The European Space Agency (ESA) sponsored the development and launch of MetOp-B.
- **Manufacturer**: Space Systems manufactured the satellite, with references to Astronautix, Space.skyrocket.de, and the European Space Agency's directory.

### Scientific Instruments
MetOp-B carries several key scientific instruments to support meteorological and climate research:
- **Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU)**: Measures atmospheric temperature and humidity profiles.
- **Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR)**: Provides visible and infrared imagery of Earth's surface.
- **Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME-2)**: Monitors ozone concentration and atmospheric composition.
- **Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI)**: Provides high-resolution infrared spectra for atmospheric temperature and moisture analysis.
- **Microwave Humidity Sounder (MHS)**: Measures humidity in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere.

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "MetOp-B",
  "description": "European meteorology satellite",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q206855", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MetOp-B"],
  "additionalType": "Satellite"
}

## References

1. [Source](http://www.astronautix.com/m/metop.html)
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/metop.htm)
3. [Source](https://directory.eoportal.org/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/m/metop)
4. Jonathan's Space Report
5. [Source](https://www.wmo-sat.info/oscar/satellites/view/metop_b)