EUMETSAT is a partner in the Virtual Laboratory for Training and Education in Satellite Meteorology (VLab), the global network of specialized training centres and meteorological satellite operators works together to improve the utilization of data and products from meteorological and environmental satellites, which is supported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS).
We work closely with the training centres, Centres of Excellence in Oman, Casablanca, Niger, Kenya and South Africa. In supporting these Centres of Excellence, EUMETSAT works with the centres to make sure they have access to data, and helps them to develop expertise in the use of current and future satellite data. We have a long history supporting training and development outside Europe — the first course in Africa was organized two decades ago.
EUMETSAT is the European operational satellite agency for monitoring weather, climate and the environment from space. We operate a system of meteorological satellites that observe the atmosphere and ocean and land surfaces – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This data is supplied to the National Meteorological Services of the organisation’s Member and Cooperating States in Europe, as well as other users worldwide.
There are currently a total of 30 member states that are a part of EUMETSAT, and the organisation continues to grow. Member states have full access to data and services and are represented in the supreme decision-making body of the organisation, the Council.
The service provided by EUMETSAT helps to enhance and safeguard the daily lives of European citizens. They aid meteorologists in identifying and monitoring the development of potentially dangerous weather situations and in issuing timely forecasts and warnings to emergency services and local authorities, helping to mitigate the effects of severe weather and protecting human life and property.
EUMETSAT’s vision is to be the leading user-driven operational agency in Europe for Earth observation satellite programmes that fulfil the objectives of its Convention. It further aims to be a trusted global partner for those outside Europe who share these objectives. In realising this vision, EUMETSAT’s first priority shall be to fulfil the essential requirements of its member states in terms of observations, data and support services for operational weather as well as Earth system monitoring and forecasting for climate services. EUMETSAT shall do this in the most effective manner, through its own satellite programmes.
EUMETSAT currently operates the Meteosat -9, -10 and -11 in geostationary orbit (36,000km) over Europe and Africa, and Meteosat-8 over the Indian Ocean. Meteosat’s valuable contribution will continue into the 2040s with the advent of Meteosat Third Generation (MTG). EUMETSAT also operates Europe’s Metop-B and –C polar orbit satellites, which circle the globe via the poles and continuously collect data from an altitude of 817 km. In addition, EUMETSAT is responsible for operating the Copernicus Sentinel-3 and Sentinel-6 ocean monitoring satellites and Jason-3 satellite operating in low Earth orbit at 1336km altitude.
Together with our training partners we organise training events, workshops, and courses to support meteorological staff, researchers and developers benefit from our data. Our training events are more and more available for online audience as well. You are welcome to view the upcoming training opportunities at the training calendar https://trainingevents.eumetsat.int.
Sat Op Contact Information
Phil Evans
Director-General
Mark Higgins
Training Manager