The Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) mission provides critical data for the early detection of fast-developing storms and weather forecasting from 36 000 km above the equator. The full MTG system is based on a series of two types of satellite: four MTG-Imagers and two MTG-Sounders. Fully operational, the system consists of two MTG-I satellites and one MTG-S.

While the MTG-I satellites significantly improve imaging capabilities over their Meteosat Second Generation predecessors, the MTG-S satellites introduce a groundbreaking infrared sounding capability, enhancing weather prediction accuracy even further. The MTG-S satellites also host the EU Copernicus Sentinel-4 mission – an ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared light spectrometer that captures data every hour to monitor air quality and pollution over Europe and northern Africa.

This animation reveals the advanced technology that makes up the satellite as a whole.