MTG-I2 completes Europe’s latest weather trio

The second Meteosat Third Generation Imager satellite (MTG-I2) has been launched to complete the first family of MTG weather satellites. This mission aims to significantly improve weather forecasting and climate monitoring over Europe and northern Africa by delivering data with unprecedented quality, quantity, and frequency.

The satellite lifted off on an Ariane 6 rocket, flight VA270, from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana on Thursday, 27 August, at 22:11 CEST (17:11 local time). Over the coming weeks, engineers will conduct orbit-raising manoeuvres during the launch and early operations phase, followed by commissioning of the spacecraft. Once operational, MTG-I2 will track developing weather fronts in real time and capture high-resolution images of the atmosphere every 2.5 minutes.

This data will support the reliability of early warnings, as well as tracking wildfires and atmospheric pollution, substantially improving weather forecasting for all European countries. The MTG family now has three satellites in orbit: the first two have been fully commissioned and handed over to Eumetsat, and MTG-I2 will provide continuity and operational resilience for the mission. After MTG-I2 is commissioned, the three-satellite system will operate at full capacity. Looking ahead, a second family of MTG satellites will be launched starting in 2033 to extend the mission's duration beyond 2040.

ESA Director of Earth Observation Programmes Simonetta Cheli praised the successful development, noting the advanced satellite technology will improve climate monitoring and weather forecasts, offering real benefits to citizens. ESA MTG Project Manager James Champion also expressed elation at the successful launch, emphasizing the continued work ahead for operations and ground systems.