Successful Launch of Metop-SGA1 to Take Weather Forecasting to New Heights
Now heading into a polar orbit around 800 kilometres above the Earth's surface, Metop-SGA1 will soon begin transmitting a wealth of timely, high-resolution and high-quality observations from six complementary instruments. These data will continue the Metop series of satellites' role as Europe's most important source of meteorological observations for forecasts ranging from 12 hours to 10 days ahead. For example, Metop-SGA1 observations will help meteorologists improve short- and medium-term weather models that can save lives by enabling early warnings of storms, heatwaves, and other disasters, and help farmers to protect crops, grid operators to manage energy supply, and pilots and sailors to navigate safely.
Phil Evans, EUMETSAT Director-General, said: 'Extreme weather has cost Europe hundreds of billions euros and tens of thousands of lives over the past 40 years – storms like Boris, Daniel and Hans, record heatwaves and fierce wildfires are just the latest reminders. The launch of Metop-SGA1 is a major step forward in giving national weather services in our member states sharper tools to save lives, protect property, and build resilience against the climate crisis. These positive impacts will be felt even beyond that and over the Atlantic, as Metop-SGA1 is Europe's first contribution to the Joint Polar System with the United States' National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This milestone reflects years of teamwork across EUMETSAT, the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Union, the French Space Agency (CNES), the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), Airbus, Thales Alenia Space, and many others. This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter as we work to ensure the satellite settles into orbit and starts delivering the vital data it was built to provide.'
At the heart of better forecasts
More than 95% of the data used in numerical weather prediction comes from satellites –a share set to grow as Metop Second Generation satellites enter service. Unlike geostationary spacecraft fixed above the equator, polar-orbiting satellites like Metop-SGA1 travel north to south as Earth rotates beneath them, delivering global coverage and a rich variety of observations. Over the next two decades, three consecutive pairs of Metop-SG satellites will loop the planet 14 times daily, with advanced instruments collecting high-resolution data on the atmosphere, oceans, ice sheets, and land surfaces.
The Metop-SGA1 satellite hosts a total of six atmospheric sounding and imaging instrument missions. The payload includes the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer – New Generation (IASI-NG), METimage (a visual and infrared imager), the Microwave Sounder (MWS), a Radio Occultation sounder, and the Multi-Viewing, Multi-Channel, Multi-Polarisation Imager (3MI) – the latter being an entirely new instrument designed to enhance the monitoring of aerosols and cloud properties. Metop-SGA1 also carries the European Union's Copernicus Sentinel-5 mission, which will supply detailed data on atmospheric composition and trace gases that affect air quality, helping health authorities to monitor air pollution.
Christoph Kautz, Director for Space Policy, Earth Observation and Satellite Navigation at the European Commission, said: 'The successful launch of Copernicus Sentinel-5 is a testimony to our close cooperation with EUMETSAT and is an outstanding achievement that will strengthen Europe's capacity to monitor pollution and advance climate science. Thanks to the synergies with EUMETSAT's meteorological mission, it was decided to embark Sentinel-5 on Metop-SGA1. This joint approach not only optimises the overall mission costs but also lowers the environmental impact by minimising the number of launches required.''
Simonetta Cheli, Director of Earth Observation Programmes at ESA, said: 'Metop-SGA1 and Copernicus Sentinel-5 show the power of European collaboration in building long-term missions that help us take the pulse of our planet. This successful launch will ultimately give us an unprecedented view of our atmosphere and climate. The data will allow us to monitor air quality, track greenhouse gases, and observe clouds, trace gases and ozone in more detail than ever. By feeding these insights into models and tools, we can strengthen climate action, improve public health, and deliver benefits for communities across Europe and beyond.'
For further updates on Metop-SGA1, visit EUMETSAT's launch hub, which features news, interviews, and insights into the satellite's journey.
Find all relevant information, biographies of speakers, videos and testimonials on our dedicated press page.
About EUMETSAT
EUMETSAT, Europe's meteorological satellite agency, monitors the weather and climate from space. Based in Darmstadt, Germany, EUMETSAT provides its 30 member states with meteorological imagery and data that are essential for keeping their communities safe and for the benefit of critical sectors of their economies.
For more information, see the EUMETSAT website.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Wire
an hour ago
- Business Wire
Vedanta Biosciences Announces Phase 2 Study of VE202 in Ulcerative Colitis Did Not Meet Primary Endpoint
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Vedanta Biosciences, a late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing microbiome-based oral therapies for gastrointestinal diseases, today announced that its candidate VE202 did not meet the primary endpoint of endoscopic response in the Phase 2 COLLECTiVE202 study for the treatment of patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC). 'We are very disappointed that our study did not meet its efficacy endpoints, and our greatest regret is that people living with inflammatory bowel disease will not, for now, have the opportunity to benefit from a new treatment option,' said Bernat Olle, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Vedanta Biosciences. 'The gut microbiome is a well-recognized driver of IBD, yet remains a facet of the disease untouched by current treatments. As a field, we have not yet succeeded in making a meaningful impact for people with IBD through microbiome-based approaches, but every study moves us closer to that goal. We are committed to sharing further analyses of this study at upcoming scientific meetings to help chart new paths forward.' 'Our priority at Vedanta remains the successful execution of our ongoing global pivotal study of VE303 for the prevention of recurrent C. difficile infection, with the goal of potentially delivering the first approved Live Biotherapeutic Product in any indication — and, in doing so, addressing a serious health condition with a significant unmet medical need,' concluded Dr. Olle. In the randomized, placebo-controlled COLLECTiVE202 study, endoscopic and clinical responses were assessed using standardized criteria, and the observed response rates in the VE202 group were not statistically different from those in the placebo group. VE202 was generally safe and well tolerated — most adverse events were mild or moderate in intensity, with no reports of treatment-related serious adverse events. Analyses of bacterial colonization, histological findings, and immune responses are ongoing and will be shared in future scientific forums. Vedanta remains focused on advancing its other pipeline programs: VE303: Vedanta is currently enrolling patients into RESTORATiVE303, a registrational Phase 3 study of VE303 for the prevention of recurrent C. difficile infection (rCDI) at over 200 sites in 24 countries. The Phase 3 program is supported by results from a positive Phase 2 study, in which VE303 demonstrated potentially best-in-disease efficacy with a 30.5% absolute risk reduction compared with placebo and greater than 80% reduction in the odds of a CDI recurrence. VE707: Vedanta is also advancing VE707 to prevent infections by multidrug-resistant organisms that affect a wide range of vulnerable populations in areas such as oncology, urology, transplantation, and critical care, with IND submission planned for 1H 2026. About the COLLECTiVE202 Study COLLECTiVE202 is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial conducted at sites in the United States, Europe, and Australia. The study enrolled 114 patients, between the ages of 18 and 75 years, with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis who had not been exposed to any biologic or advanced oral therapies. Either VE202 (N=57) or placebo (N=57) was added to a patient's stable background ulcerative colitis therapy. The primary endpoints were safety and Week 8 endoscopic response (defined as a reduction of at least 1 point on the Mayo endoscopic subscore). Secondary endpoints included clinical response and remission, endoscopic improvement and remission, as well as histological assessments and measures of colonization, quality-of-life and inflammatory biomarkers. For more information on COLLECTiVE202 (NCT05370885), visit About Vedanta Biosciences Vedanta Biosciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing microbiome-based oral medicines for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. The company's lead asset is a potential first-in-class therapy, VE303, currently in a global Phase 3 registrational trial for prevention of recurrent C. difficile infection. Vedanta leverages its proprietary industry-leading product engine to develop therapeutic drug candidates based on defined bacterial consortia. The product engine is supported by broad foundational intellectual property and spans the development lifecycle from discovery to commercialization. It includes one of the largest libraries of bacteria isolated from the human microbiome, vast clinical datasets, proprietary capabilities in consortium design, and end-to-end CGMP manufacturing capabilities at commercial launch scale.
Business Wire
an hour ago
- Business Wire
$15K Grant from FHLB Dallas and Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Will Help New Orleans Resident Weather Future Storms
NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A longtime New Orleans, Louisiana, resident is rebuilding nearly two decades after Hurricane Katrina damaged her home, thanks in part to a $15,000 Disaster Rebuilding Assistance (DRA) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas). The DRA grant was awarded through FHLB Dallas member Gulf Coast Bank & Trust to provide a new storm-resistant roof for Gail Micken. Ms. Micken, a retiree, moved into her home in April 2005. Just a few months later, Hurricane Katrina swept through Louisiana, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. Fortunately, her home, situated on higher ground, was spared from severe flooding. However, the roof sustained significant damage that worsened with time. 'After Katrina and all the smaller storms since, my roof just kept getting worse, and it's a big house, so I had to fix it in pieces,' Ms. Micken said. 'With prices going up and insurance getting harder to afford, this grant was a blessing. It gave me the help I needed to make my home safe again. This program is making a difference for people like me on a fixed income.' Administered through FHLB Dallas member institutions, DRA provides grants for the repair, rehabilitation and reconstruction of owner-occupied housing affected by disaster events in federally declared disaster areas within FHLB Dallas's five-state District of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. Ms. Micken's new roof meets FORTIFIED standards by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), designed to withstand hurricanes, high winds, hail and severe thunderstorms. 'We're proud to play a role in helping lifelong New Orleans residents like Ms. Micken repair their homes after a natural disaster,' said Brittainy Fields, CRA officer at Gulf Coast Bank & Trust. 'Through these grants, we're not only preserving housing but also strengthening safety and storm preparedness for the future.' Since 2024, Gulf Coast Bank & Trust has awarded $347,000 in FHLB Dallas DRA grants. 'A FORTIFIED roof is a proactive investment in the quality and longevity of our housing stock,' said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and Director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. 'By helping homeowners improve and maintain their properties, we're supporting community stability and giving residents the security and comfort they deserve.' For 2025, FHLB Dallas set aside $4 million for the DRA program. Learn more about DRA. About Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company was founded in 1883, offering several personal and business banking services to the communities in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, surrounding the Southeast Louisiana areas and Florida. Banking services include checking and savings accounts with online and mobile banking options as well as personal loans, home loans, business loans and trust and brokerage services. Its mission is to strengthen its relationship with customers by combining the values of old-fashioned community banking that focus on individualized customer service with innovative, competitive banking products and trust and brokerage services. About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $116.1 billion as of June 30, 2025, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 800 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit
Business Wire
2 hours ago
- Business Wire
Zai Lab Establishes Oncology Scientific Advisory Board
SHANGHAI & CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Zai Lab Limited (NASDAQ: ZLAB; HKEX: 9688) today announced the creation of its Oncology Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). The newly formed Oncology SAB is comprised of distinguished oncology leaders and will support the advancement of the Company's robust oncology products and pipeline, including multiple internally developed investigational therapies. 'We are honored to bring together this esteemed group of oncology leaders who will support our continued development and advancement of innovative treatment options for patients globally,' said Rafael G. Amado, M.D., President, Head of Global Research and Development, Zai Lab. 'The formation of this Board is an important step for Zai; we know our clinical programs will benefit tremendously from the guidance and perspective of this highly regarded and experienced group of individuals.' Zai Lab's Oncology SAB comprises the following: Lieping Chen, M.D., Ph.D., is a United Technologies Corporation chair in cancer research, professor of immunobiology, dermatology and medicine at the Yale University School of Medicine. Richard S. Finn, M.D., is director of the Signal Transduction Program in the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Thomas F. Gajewski, M.D., Ph.D., directs the Melanoma Oncology Clinic and leads the Immunology and Cancer Program at the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center. Melissa L. Johnson, M.D., directs lung cancer research at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute. Matthew Krebs, M.D., Ph.D., is a clinical senior lecturer in experimental cancer medicine at the University of Manchester and leads early phase clinical trials at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, U.K. Patricia LoRusso, M.D., D.O., is director of the Early Phase Clinical Trials Program and Associate Center Director of Experimental Therapeutics at Yale Cancer Center. Michael T. Lotze, M.D., FACS, is professor of surgery, immunology and bioengineering, and director of the DAMP Laboratories at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center. Timothy Yap, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., FRCP, is a medical oncologist, physician-scientist and professor at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. About Zai Lab Zai Lab (NASDAQ: ZLAB; HKEX: 9688) is an innovative, research-based, commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company based in China and the United States. We are focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative products that address medical conditions with significant unmet needs in the areas of oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and infectious disease. Our goal is to leverage our competencies and resources to positively impact human health worldwide. For additional information about Zai Lab, please visit or follow us at Zai Lab Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to our future expectations, plans, and prospects for Zai Lab, including, without limitation, statements relating to our prospects and plans for developing and commercializing our oncology products and pipeline. These forward-looking statements may contain words such as 'aim,' 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'could,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'forecast,' 'goal,' 'intend,' 'may,' 'plan,' 'possible,' 'potential,' 'will,' 'would,' and other similar expressions. Such statements constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact or guarantees or assurances of future performance. Forward-looking statements are based on our expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including but not limited to (1) our ability to successfully commercialize and generate revenue from our approved products, (2) our ability to obtain funding for our operations and business initiatives, (3) the results of our clinical and pre-clinical development of our product candidates, (4) the content and timing of decisions made by the relevant regulatory authorities regarding regulatory approvals of our product candidates, (5) risks related to doing business in China, and (6) other factors identified in our most recent annual and quarterly reports and in other reports we have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our expectations and assumptions to change, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Our SEC filings can be found on our website at and on the SEC's website at
