The Meteosat Third Generation Imager 2 satellite (MTG-I2) has efficiently handed its first essential post-launch milestones, finishing the primary full Meteosat Third Era constellation in orbit.
The imager satellite tv for pc MTG-I2 is safely in orbit and working as anticipated following its profitable launch yesterday at 22:11 CEST on board an Ariane 6 rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
Our groups have established communication with the spacecraft, which has additionally deployed its photo voltaic panels to make sure its autonomous manufacturing of power.
MTG-I2 is in excellent form to start out its Launch and Early Operations Section that may deliver it to a better orbit, 36 000km above Earth over the next two weeks, the place an extended interval of calibration and validation of its devices will start.
This summer season’s excessive climate and wildfires have underlined the significance of well timed observations for climate monitoring and emergency response. MTG-I2 will present extra quickly up to date observations over Europe by EUMETSAT’s fast scan service, refreshing imagery each 2.5 minutes.
This can give forecasters a a lot timelier view of fast-developing climate methods, serving to nationwide meteorological companies establish hazardous developments sooner and assist well timed warnings for extreme storms, hail, damaging winds and flash floods.
Its devoted fire-detection channels may even assist establish and characterise lively fires, whereas the frequent imagery will assist nearer monitoring of how fires and related smoke develop.
MTG-I2 joins Meteosat-12, the primary imager launched in December 2022, and MTG-S1, which was launched in July 2025 and is predicted to develop into operational earlier than the tip of 2026. Collectively, the 2 imager and the sounder satellites will type the primary full operational MTG constellation.
Phil Evans, director-general of EUMETSAT, stated: “With MTG-I2, we’re unlocking the entire capabilities of this extraordinary European system.
“Particularly, MTG-I2 will allow rather more frequent observations over Europe, giving forecasters a extra steady view of quickly growing climate and serving to nationwide meteorological companies present well timed and dependable warnings.
“The Meteosat Third Era system is probably the most subtle and modern geostationary meteorological system on the planet, and a significant European achievement. It’s already delivering big advantages to forecasters and customers.
“At its coronary heart is EUMETSAT, working with ESA and European trade to ship this new era of climate satellites and the companies constructed round them. EUMETSAT will function and preserve the total system all through its lifetime, delivering dependable information and companies to its Member States and customers worldwide.”
Extra frequent, higher-resolution observations
Because the second imaging satellite tv for pc within the constellation, MTG-I2 will use its Versatile Mixed Imager (FCI) to ship EUMETSAT’s fast scan service over Europe and Northern Africa, alongside the 10-minute full disc scan service offered by Meteosat-12.
The instrument will present state-of-the-art observations twice as regularly because the rapid-scan service of the earlier satellite tv for pc era.
Mixed with 4 high-resolution channels offering element all the way down to 500 meters, this may enable forecasters to trace fast-developing climate in better element and at a lot shorter intervals.
With energy and communications established, EUMETSAT groups will now information the satellite tv for pc in direction of its operational place, activate its methods and start preparations for commissioning and operational service.
