METOP SG-A

METOP SG-A is an active satellite operated by ESA (European Space Agency), launched on 2025-08-13 from Guiana Space Centre, Kourou. As a relatively recent addition to the catalogue, its orbital elements are well-characterised. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 820 km and 821 km with an inclination of 98.7°. It travels at approximately 26,802 km/h (7.44 km/s), completing one full orbit every 101 minutes — that’s roughly 14.22 orbits per day. Its near-polar, sun-synchronous orbit means it passes over any given point on Earth at approximately the same local solar time, ideal for consistent Earth observation lighting conditions. Its near-circular orbit (eccentricity close to zero) means it maintains a very consistent altitude throughout each revolution. At its current altitude, the estimated orbital lifetime before atmospheric re-entry is ~100–500 years. Orbital Radar tracks METOP SG-A in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

METOP SG-A orbits at an average altitude of 821 km in a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), a specialised subset of LEO where the orbital plane precesses to maintain a constant angle relative to the Sun. This provides consistent lighting conditions on every pass — essential for Earth observation, weather monitoring and environmental science. Within ±50 km of METOP SG-A’s average altitude, there are currently 397 active payloads and 2,272 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include NOAA 20, ONEWEB-0179, ONEWEB-0455. With an inclination of 98.7°, METOP SG-A passes over latitudes between 98.7°N and 98.7°S, providing near-global coverage including the polar regions. Polar and near-polar orbits are used for reconnaissance, weather monitoring and Earth-observation missions that need to image every part of the planet. ESA (European Space Agency) operates approximately 93 active satellites in total, of which 8 share a similar altitude band with METOP SG-A.