MTG-I2 satellite launch completes Meteosat Third Generation constellation

The launch of the MTG-I2 satellite from Kourou, French Guiana, aboard an Ariane 62 rocket, completes the first Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) constellation. The satellite joins MTG-I1 and MTG-S1 in geostationary orbit to provide advanced meteorological capabilities for Europe.

MTG-I2 features a flexible combined imager capable of delivering full Earth imagery in 16 wavebands every 10 minutes. In a fast mode, it can refresh European coverage every 2.5 minutes at a 500-meter spatial resolution. This high-cadence imaging allows meteorological services to transition from static photography to near-video sequences, improving the speed and frequency of severe weather alerts.

In addition to imaging, the satellite includes a lightning detector that records electrical discharges in real time with millisecond precision, aiding in the localization of wildfire hotspots. Thales Alenia Space manages second-level data processing for the instruments, distributing outputs to EUMETSAT and member-state authorities. The ground segment, including command-and-control, is managed by Telespazio, a joint venture between Leonardo and Thales.