MTG-I2 completes Europe’s latest weather trio

The Meteosat Third Generation Imager satellite MTG-I2 launched on 27 August at 22:11 CEST aboard Ariane 6 from French Guiana, completing the first MTG constellation. The satellite will deliver high-frequency, high-resolution atmospheric data every 2.5 minutes, improving early warnings for severe weather, wildfires, and pollution across Europe and northern Africa. ESA and partners emphasized the mission’s role in advancing climate monitoring and operational resilience for European weather services.

MTG-I2 carries two instruments: the Flexible Combined Imager for rapid scanning and the Lightning Imager for detecting individual lightning events day and night. The rapid scan mode provides unprecedented detail on developing weather systems, while the Lightning Imager supports short-term forecasting. Together, these instruments enhance the accuracy of weather predictions and climate analysis for meteorological agencies and researchers.

The MTG constellation now includes three satellites, with MTG-I2 joining MTG-I1 and MTG-Sounder in orbit. Once commissioned, the system will operate at full capacity, extending services previously provided by the Meteosat Second Generation satellites. The mission is designed to continue beyond 2040, with a second family of MTG satellites planned from 2033 to ensure long-term data continuity for Europe and Africa.

Following separation from Ariane 6, MTG-I2 initiated communications with the Malindi ground station and began deploying solar arrays. The satellite will undergo orbital manoeuvres to reach geostationary orbit, where it will provide continuous observations. Developed by ESA and European industry partners, the constellation is operated by Eumetsat, which will disseminate the data for weather forecasting, climate research, and disaster management.