The microwave radiometers on-board MetOp second generation satellites

This paper presents the general design and performances of the microwave instruments suite to be embarked on the next generation of Meteorological Operational satellites MetOp-SG. The instruments developed under ESA management are an integral part of the second generation of the EUMETSAT Polar System. The unique frequency range covered reaches from 18 to 664 GHz and is provided by three separate instruments for a time span of more than 20 years.