MetOp-BSoyuz-2.1a/Fregat Starsem SA Launch Status Success Mon ยท Sep 17th, 2012 12:28 PM EDT Watch Online https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGeDPQ69e9o Mission MetOp-B Type: Earth Science MetOp is a series of three polar orbiting meteorological satellites developed by the European Space Agency (ESA). Location 31/6 Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan 465 launches have been at this location. Rocket Soyuz 2.1A Fregat-M Length: 46.3 meters Diameter: 2.95 meters First Launched: October 19, 2010 The 2.1a version includes conversion from analog to digital flight control system and uprated engines on the booster and the first stage with improved injection systems. The new digital flight control and telemetry systems allow the rocket to launch from a fixed rather than angled launch platform and adjust its heading in flight. A digital control system also enables the launch of larger commercial satellites with wider and longer payload fairings such as the ST-type fairing. These fairings introduce too much aerodynamic instability for the old analog system to handle. The Soyuz 2.1A Fregat-M rocket has been launched a total of 14 times with 13 successful and 1 failed launches. Agency Starsem SA Type: Commercial Abbreviation: SSA Administration: Founded: Launchers: Spacecraft: Country: FRA, RUS View Rocket Launch Schedule