MTG-I1 meets its launch adapter

The first Meteosat Third Generation Imager (MTG-I1) satellite being fitted to the Ariane 5 launch adapter in preparation for liftoff in mid-December 2022. The satellite has been at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana since the middle of October being readied for liftoff. The image shows the satellite being fitted to the Ariane 5 launch adapter.

This new satellite carries two completely new instrument that will deliver high-quality data to improve weather forecasts: a Flexible Combined Imager and Europe’s first Lightning Imager.

The Flexible Combined Imager has more spectral channels and is capable of imaging in higher resolution compared to current Meteosat Second Generation’s Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared instrument.

The Lightning Imager offers a completely new capability for European meteorological satellites. It will continuously monitor more than 80% of the Earth disc for lightning discharges, taking place either between clouds or between clouds and the ground.

The full MTG system will span more than 20 years and hence comprises six satellites, four MTG-I and two sounding satellites, MTG-S.