# MetOp-C > European meteorology satellite **Wikidata**: [Q106763098](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106763098) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/metop-c ## Summary MetOp-C is a European meteorology satellite, launched on November 7, 2018, as the third and final satellite in the MetOp series. Operated by EUMETSAT and sponsored by the European Space Agency, it provides critical meteorological data from a Sun-synchronous orbit. ## Key Facts - MetOp-C is a European meteorology satellite, launched on November 7, 2018, at 00:47:28 UTC. - It is operated by EUMETSAT and sponsored by the European Space Agency. - The satellite was manufactured by Space Systems. - MetOp-C has a gross mass of 3950 kg and an empty mass of 3650 kg. - It is powered by a photovoltaic system generating 2100 W. - It follows MetOp-B in the MetOp series of satellites. - MetOp-C was launched aboard a Soyuz-2.1b rocket from Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz. - Its COSPAR ID and NSSDCA ID are both 2018-087A. - It carries scientific instruments including the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit, Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer, and Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment. ## FAQs ### Q: What is MetOp-C? A: MetOp-C is a European meteorology satellite, the third and final satellite in the MetOp series. It was launched in 2018 to provide meteorological data for weather forecasting and climate monitoring. ### Q: Who operates MetOp-C? A: MetOp-C is operated by EUMETSAT, with sponsorship from the European Space Agency. ### Q: When and where was MetOp-C launched? A: MetOp-C was launched on November 7, 2018, at 00:47:28 UTC, from Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz aboard a Soyuz-2.1b rocket. ### Q: What instruments does MetOp-C carry? A: MetOp-C carries several scientific instruments, including the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit, Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer, Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment, Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer, and Microwave Humidity Sounder. ### Q: What is the purpose of MetOp-C? A: As a meteorology satellite, MetOp-C's purpose is to collect and provide data for weather forecasting and climate monitoring from its Sun-synchronous orbit. ## Why It Matters MetOp-C plays a crucial role in global weather forecasting and climate monitoring as the final satellite in the MetOp series. By providing continuous and high-quality meteorological data from its Sun-synchronous orbit, it contributes significantly to the accuracy of weather predictions, enabling better preparedness for severe weather events. The data collected by its advanced scientific instruments, such as the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer and the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment, supports a wide range of applications, from daily forecasts to long-term climate studies. Its operation by EUMETSAT, with sponsorship from the European Space Agency, underscores international collaboration in maintaining essential environmental observation capabilities. The continuity of data provided by MetOp-C, following MetOp-B, ensures an uninterrupted stream of vital information for meteorologists and climate scientists worldwide, enhancing our understanding of Earth's atmosphere and its changes. ## Notable For - **Final Satellite in Series:** MetOp-C is the third and final satellite in the MetOp series, ensuring the continuity of meteorological data collection. - **Comprehensive Instrument Suite:** It carries a suite of advanced scientific instruments, including the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit and Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment, for detailed atmospheric observations. - **International Collaboration:** Sponsored by the European Space Agency and operated by EUMETSAT, it represents a significant European effort in space-based meteorology. - **Sun-Synchronous Orbit:** Operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit, allowing it to observe the same point on Earth at the same local time each day, crucial for consistent data collection. ## Body ### Overview MetOp-C is a European meteorology satellite, designated as the third and final satellite in the MetOp series. It was launched on November 7, 2018, to provide essential meteorological data. The satellite is an instance of the MetOp class of European meteorological satellites. It is also known by the aliases Meteorological Operational Satellite-C and MetOp-3. ### Launch and Operations MetOp-C was launched on November 7, 2018, at 00:47:28 UTC. The launch took place from Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz, utilizing a Soyuz-2.1b rocket. The satellite's COSPAR ID and NSSDCA ID are both 2018-087A. It operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit. EUMETSAT is the operator of MetOp-C, with sponsorship from the European Space Agency. The launch was a significant event for the satellite. ### Specifications and Manufacturer The satellite has a gross mass of 3950 kg and an empty mass of 3650 kg. It is powered by a photovoltaic system capable of generating 2100 W. MetOp-C was manufactured by Space Systems. Its Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) is 43689. ### Scientific Instruments MetOp-C carries a comprehensive suite of scientific instruments designed for atmospheric observation and data collection. These instruments include: - Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit - Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer - Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment - Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer - Microwave Humidity Sounder ### Predecessor MetOp-C follows MetOp-B, which was another European meteorology satellite in the same series. ## 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_c)