Meteosat is a series of European geostationary weather satellites developed in conjunction with GARP (Global Atmospheric Research Program). Although ESA (European Space Agency) originated and continues to control the Meteosat network, Eumetsat (European Organization for Meteorological Satellites), created in 1981–1986, has overall responsibility for the system.

 

The main goal of the Meteosats is to supply 24-hour, visible and infrared cloud cover and radiance data. Three pre-operational craft were launched in 1977–1988 before the Meteosat Operational Program (MOP) began with the launch of Meteosat 4. Meteosat satellites closely resemble their American and Japanese counterparts. Each measures about 3 × 2.1 meters and has an on-orbit dry mass of 320 kilograms.

 

spacecraft	launch date	launch vehicle	launch site	GSO location
Meteosat 1	Nov 23, 1977	Delta 2914	Cape Canaveral	0° E
Meteosat 2	Jun 19, 1981	Ariane 1	Kourou	0° E
Meteosat 3	Jun 15, 1988	Ariane 44LP	Kourou	0° E
Meteosat 4	Mar 6, 1989	Ariane 44LP	Kourou	0° E
Meteosat 5	Jun 15, 1988	Ariane 44LP	Kourou	4° E
Meteosat 6	Nov 15, 1993	Ariane 44LP	Kourou	0° E
Meteosat 7	Sep 2, 1997	Ariane 44LP	Kourou	10° W
Meteosat 8	Aug 28, 2002	Ariane V155	Kourou
Meteosat 9	Dec 28, 2005	Ariane V169	Kourou	0.5°E