Ariane 6 launches third liftoff

Europe's Ariane 6 rocket launches for the third time to deploy Metop SGA1, a weather satellite, into a polar trajectory around Earth.

Ariane 6 seals third liftoff sending Metop SGA1 into space

Europe's Ariane 6 heavy lift lifted off from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou at 8:37 p.m. EDT, marking its third liftoff. The payload Metop SGA1, built by Airbus Defence and Space, was released into a polar trajectory about 800 kilometers above Earth in a mission operated by Arianespace for the European Space Agency and EUMETSAT.

Metop SGA1 carries six instruments to monitor temperature, precipitation, clouds, winds, sea ice and more. It will operate for about seven and a half years as the first of six satellites in the Metop Second Generation constellation, a key part of Europe’s weather and climate data network.

The mission highlights Europe’s push to maintain a steady stream of weather data in a world facing more extreme climate events. By continuing Metop after the Ariane 5 era, Europe seeks continuity and autonomy in space based weather information. The project also underscores how industry and government work together, with Airbus Defence and Space and Arianespace balancing schedule, cost and performance to keep a critical data feed online.

Looking ahead, the program shows Europe betting on a steady pipeline of satellites to turn data into forecasts, research and policy tools. The next phase will test not just the rocket's reliability but the broader goal of turning space data into tangible benefits for weather forecasting and climate monitoring.

Highlights

The path ahead will test not just rockets but Europe’s ability to turn data into decisions.