On 16 October 2014, at ESA's headquarters in Paris, France, a contract was signed by ESA and Airbus Defence and Space for creating the second series of MetOp weather forecasting satellites.
These satellites used for climate monitoring and global weather forecasting are a part of MetOp-SG - a cooperative enterprise between ESA and Eumetsat - and will offer augmented continuity to the current main source of global weather data.
MetOp's second generation mission will include six satellites, which can provide diverse but complementary meteorological information. The A series will comprise atmospheric sensors as well as optical and infrared imagers. The B series will be equipped with microwave sensors. Airbus Defence and Space France will work as prime contractor for the A satellites, while Airbus Defence and Space Germany will be in charge of the B series.
