MTG-I2 satellite successfully launches to complete European weather constellation

The Meteosat Third Generation Imager 2 (MTG-I2) satellite has successfully launched via an Ariane 6 rocket from the European Spaceport in French Guiana. This mission marks a significant milestone for the Ariane 6, as it is the first to deliver a payload to geostationary orbit.

Developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and EUMETSAT, the MTG-I2 completes the first full operational constellation of the third-generation Meteosat series. The satellite features advanced technology, including a Flexible Combined Imager (FCI) and a Lightning Imager (LI), which allows for the monitoring of electrical activity from geostationary orbit.

The new system will provide high-resolution imagery of Europe and North Africa every 2.5 minutes, a significant increase in frequency compared to previous generations. This enhanced capability is intended to improve the detection and monitoring of extreme weather events, such as severe storms, flash floods, and wildfires, thereby supporting emergency response and climate monitoring.