Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket is primed for its third launch, scheduled for tonight, August 12, 2025, at 8:37 p.m. EDT. The launch will take place from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. This mission will see the Ariane 6 deploy the Metop-SGA1 weather satellite into orbit, marking a crucial step in advancing meteorological observation capabilities.
The Ariane 6 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Ariane 5, which has been retired. It made its inaugural flight in July 2024, followed by a successful mission in March 2025 that placed a French spy satellite into orbit. Tonight’s flight is particularly important as it carries the Metop-SGA1, an 8,900-pound (4,040-kilogram) satellite designed for comprehensive weather monitoring.
Payload Details and Mission Objectives
Metop-SGA1 will be operated by the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) and will be positioned in a polar orbit approximately 500 miles (800 kilometers) above the Earth. The satellite is equipped with six advanced instruments that will gather critical data on weather and climate. This mission is expected to enhance global weather observation, providing high-resolution information on temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and various environmental parameters.
According to Arianespace’s mission description, “The satellite will take global observation of weather and climate from a polar orbit to a new level.” Its operational life is anticipated to span 7.5 years, during which it will collect vital data that will aid in climate research and forecasting.
Arianespace’s Launch Milestones
Tonight’s launch will be the 355th mission conducted by Arianespace, which also operates the smaller Vega C rocket. The Metop-SGA1 is significant as it is the 15th spacecraft launched for EUMETSAT and the 21st meteorological satellite in Arianespace’s history.
The launch can be viewed live through Arianespace’s official channels, reflecting the company’s commitment to transparency and public engagement in space exploration. As this mission unfolds, the global community will be watching closely, eager to see the advancements in weather monitoring that Metop-SGA1 promises to deliver.
