Replay: MTG-I2 pre-launch media briefing

The MTG-I2 satellite, the third in the MTG constellation, is set for launch on 27 August from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana aboard an Ariane 6 rocket. Once operational, it will join MTG-I1 and MTG-S1 to provide high-resolution weather imagery for European meteorological services. The constellation aims to improve forecasting accuracy and support early warnings for severe weather events across the continent.

MTG-I2 carries two key instruments: the Lightning Imager and the Flexible Combined Imager. The Lightning Imager will continuously monitor lightning activity, a capability not previously available on European meteorological satellites. This data will help track rapidly developing storms and improve nowcasting for severe weather events such as thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.

The Flexible Combined Imager will scan the entire Earth’s surface from its geostationary orbit 36,000 km above the equator in just 10 minutes. It can focus on Europe and northern Africa every 2.5 minutes, enabling timely detection of fast-evolving weather systems. The instrument will support the issuance of weather warnings and enhance the accuracy of short-term forecasts.

The MTG constellation is a joint project between the European Space Agency and EUMETSAT. Once fully deployed, it will provide European weather services with unprecedented data for monitoring and predicting weather patterns, contributing to improved public safety and operational planning.