European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites

European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites. It is an intergovernmental organisation created through an international convention agreed by European states. The organisation’s primary mandate is to establish, maintain, and exploit European systems of operational meteorological satellites. Its data is critical for weather forecasting and monitoring climate change, serving both its member states and the global community.

History and establishment

The origins of the organisation trace back to the early 1970s, following the successful demonstration of weather satellites by agencies like NASA and NOAA. European meteorologists recognized the need for a dedicated, operational satellite system. Initial cooperative efforts led to the Meteosat programme, managed by the European Space Agency. The success of the first Meteosat-1, launched in 1977, proved the value of a permanent system. Consequently, the convention establishing the organisation was drafted and signed in 1983, entering into force in 1986, with its headquarters established in Darmstadt. This formalised the separation of operational satellite exploitation under the new organisation from the research and development activities of the European Space Agency.

Member states and governance

The organisation operates as a partnership of sovereign states. Its 30 member states include most nations of the European Union, such as France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy, alongside other European countries like Norway and Switzerland. Additionally, several cooperating states, such as Serbia and Latvia, participate in specific programmes. The supreme decision-making body is the Council, composed of delegates from each member state. Day-to-day operations are managed by a Director-General, currently Phil Evans, and the staff at the headquarters in Darmstadt. Funding is provided through member state contributions, weighted according to their gross national income.

Satellite fleet and missions

The organisation’s operational fleet is comprised of several satellite families in geostationary orbit and polar orbit. The Meteosat series provides continuous observation of Europe, Africa, and parts of the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean from geostationary orbit. The Metop series, Europe's first operational polar-orbiting meteorological satellites, deliver global data crucial for numerical weather prediction. Key upcoming missions include the Meteosat Third Generation and the Metop Second Generation satellites, developed in cooperation with the European Space Agency. These advanced systems will carry sophisticated instruments like the Flexible Combined Imager and the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer.

Data services and applications

The organisation operates a vast ground segment to acquire, process, and disseminate satellite data 24 hours a day. Its primary data centre, the EUMETSAT Headquarters, distributes data and products to the National Meteorological Services of member states, such as Météo-France and the Deutscher Wetterdienst. The data is fundamental for monitoring severe weather events like Mediterranean tropical-like cyclones and European windstorms. Beyond weather, its data supports applications in climate monitoring, oceanography, and hydrology. The organisation also contributes to international initiatives like the Global Climate Observing System and provides vital data for aviation and maritime safety.

Cooperation with other organizations

International cooperation is a cornerstone of its activities. It maintains a long-standing strategic partnership with the European Space Agency for satellite development. It is a key contributor to the coordinated system of environmental satellites with partners like NASA, NOAA, and the Japan Meteorological Agency. This collaboration is formalized through the Joint Polar Satellite System programme. The organisation also works closely with the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and is a recognized partner of the World Meteorological Organization. Furthermore, it supports the Copernicus Programme by operating the Sentinel-3 and Sentinel-6 missions on behalf of the European Union.

Category:Intergovernmental organizations Category:Meteorological organizations Category:Space agencies