The MetOp-A satellite has been mated to the Fregat upper stage in preparation for a scheduled Oct. 7 launch aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket, the European Space Agency announced Sept. 26.

The launch of the spacecraft, which is intended to provide global data that improves forecasts of severe weather and disaster mitigation, as well as contribute to monitor the climate and the environment, was postponed three times in July due to technical issues.

The satellite and upper stage will be encapsulated in the fairing Sept. 28 and integrated with the Soyuz launch vehicle Sept. 30.