MISSION OVERVIEW
MetOp is a series of three polar orbiting meteorological satellites developed by the European Space Agency (ESA).
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-MAGENCY
Starsem SA
MISSION
MetOp-B
MISSION TYPE
Earth Science
TARGET ORBIT
Sun-Synchronous Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
31/6LAUNCH SITE
Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of KazakhstanCOUNTRY
FRA,RUS
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 5a3d197e-241e-4824-b9ce-a0e79a8e128e
Reported date: Sep 17, 2012 at 16:28 UTC
Last synced: 6 hours ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE — Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M →
MANUFACTURER
Progress Rocket Space Center
VARIANT
Fregat-M
FLIGHTS
19
SUCCESSES
18
SUCCESS RATE
94.7%
The 2.1a version includes conversion from analog to digital flight control system and uprated engines on the booster and the first stage with improved injection systems. The new digital flight control and telemetry systems allow the rocket to launch from a fixed rather than angled launch platform and adjust its heading in flight. A digital control system also enables the launch of larger commercial satellites with wider and longer payload fairings such as the ST-type fairing. These fairings introduce too much aerodynamic instability for the old analog system to handle.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Soyuz-2.1a/Fregat | MetOp-B launch?
The Soyuz-2.1a/Fregat | MetOp-B is scheduled for Monday, September 17, 2012 at 4:28 PM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for MetOp-B?
The Soyuz-2.1a/Fregat | MetOp-B mission uses the Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M rocket, manufactured by Progress Rocket Space Center. The Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M has flown 19 times with a 94.7% success rate.
Where is the Soyuz-2.1a/Fregat | MetOp-B launching from?
The launch takes place from 31/6 at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan.
What orbit is MetOp-B going to?
The MetOp-B mission is targeting Sun-Synchronous Orbit.
Who is launching MetOp-B?
The Soyuz-2.1a/Fregat | MetOp-B is operated by Starsem SA.
Can I watch the Soyuz-2.1a/Fregat | MetOp-B launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Mar 29, 2026 00:02 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 00:02 UTC
Launch date set: Sep 17, 2012 at 16:28 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Starsem SA
Mar 29, 2026 00:02 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
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LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 6 hours ago
●Launch Library 26 hours ago
Launch ID: 5a3d197e-241e-4824-b9ce-a0e79a8e128e
●Spaceflight News API7 hours ago
4 articles matched
●Open-Meteo Weather7 hours ago
Pad weather at 46, 63.56
●YouTube Video Search2 weeks ago
1 video discovered
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