Meteosat Third Generation – Imager 1 (MTG-I1) Overview

The Meteosat Third Generation – Imager 1 (MTG-I1) satellite is operated by EUMETSAT, headquartered in Germany. MTG-I1 is part of the next-generation Meteosat system that succeeds the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) series of geostationary weather satellites.

The MTG system features a dual-satellite configuration, with two types of 3-axis-stabilized spacecraft: the Imager satellite (MTG-I) and the Sounder satellite (MTG-S). Together, these satellites will deliver high-resolution imagery and atmospheric data for improved weather forecasting across Europe, Africa, and adjacent regions.

MTG-I1 Satellite and Payloads

MTG-I1 is the first of six satellites that will make up the full Meteosat Third Generation system. Once fully deployed, the constellation will operate with two MTG-I satellites and one MTG-S satellite in parallel.

The MTG-I1 satellite carries four advanced instruments:

• Flexible Combined Imager (FCI) – provides high-resolution, multispectral imaging with more spectral channels than previous generations.

• Lightning Imager (LI) – Europe’s first lightning detection instrument in geostationary orbit, continuously monitoring over 80% of the Earth’s visible disc for lightning activity.

• Data Collection System (DCS) – enables data relay from remote ground-based sensors.

• GEOSAR (Search and Rescue payload) – detects emergency beacons and contributes to international search and rescue operations.

These state-of-the-art instruments enable earlier detection of severe storms and support the issuance of faster and more accurate weather alerts.

MTG Mission Collaboration

The MTG program is a collaborative effort between EUMETSAT and the European Space Agency (ESA). ESA is responsible for the development and procurement of all six MTG satellites, while EUMETSAT is in charge of:

• Defining mission requirements

• Developing ground segment systems

• Procuring launch services

• Operating the satellites

• Distributing meteorological data to users

Thales Alenia Space is the prime contractor for the overall MTG program and for the MTG-I satellite series.

Once operational, MTG satellites will be renamed under the Meteosat designation.

Future Launches

The second imaging satellite, MTG-I2, was originally scheduled for launch on the Arianespace‘ Ariane 5 ECA+ rocket. However, due to the retirement of Ariane 5 after 2022, it has been reassigned to an Ariane 64 rocket. A dedicated Ariane 62 launch is also under consideration.