MTG-I2 satellite enters final orbit: a new era in weather forecasting over Europe

The European meteorological satellite Meteosat Third Generation Imager 2 (MTG-I2) has successfully reached its designated orbit at an altitude of 36,000 km above Earth. This is a significant event that paves the way for significantly improved weather forecasting and environmental monitoring for Europe and North Africa.

Completion of the first phase of space travel

Just 12 days after launch from the European Spaceport in French Guiana aboard an Ariane 6 rocket, the satellite has completed its critical launch and early orbit phase (LEOP). MTG-I2 has joined its two sister spacecraft in orbit, marking a key milestone in the development of the next generation of European meteorological satellites and the formation of the first complete MTG family.

New opportunities for observations

Since its separation from the Ariane 6 launch vehicle, MTG-I2 has undergone a series of precision orbital maneuvers, including a series of Liquid Apogee Engine (LAE) launches, to achieve a geostationary orbit at 3.5°E. Two other satellites, the first imager MTG-I1 (launched in 2022) and the first sounder MTG-S1 (launched in 2025), will, together with MTG-I2, provide an unprecedented increase in the quality, volume and frequency of meteorological and environmental data. These data will be actively used to improve weather forecasts, rapid detection of extreme weather events (nowcasting), numerical weather modeling and climate monitoring.

“This is a key milestone for a mission of great importance to Europe,” said Simonetta Celi, Director of ESA’s Earth Observation Programmes. “It will allow us to significantly improve our preparedness and response to extreme weather events. We look forward to seeing the full complement of MTG satellites providing operational data that will enhance the resilience of communities. My thanks go to the teams who have made extraordinary efforts at every stage of the mission to achieve this fantastic result.”

The MTG project, developed in close collaboration between ESA and Eumetsat, with the participation of an international industrial consortium led by Thales Alenia Space, is a shining example of European cooperation, expertise and ambition. The entire constellation will be operated by Eumetsat for its entire lifetime.

Preparation for operational operation

During the orbital maneuvers, the satellite was gradually configured for its future mission. In particular, the Ka-band data transmission antennas, as well as the Data Acquisition Systems (DCS) and Geostationary Orbit Search and Rescue (GEOSAR) antennas were deployed. The satellite was then pointed towards Earth, the last step of the LEOP phase before moving on to the commissioning phase.

“LEOP is one of the most critical phases of a satellite’s operation,” said Emilia Barbagallo, ESA’s lead engineer for MTG operational interfaces. “Many of the most critical operations took place at night. Propulsion experts worked long and hard, preparing predictions before the LAE launches and analyzing the results immediately after. These highly sensitive analyses required exceptional concentration.”

On September 8, MTG-I2 was officially handed over to Eumetsat for the start of the commissioning phase. The Eumetsat team will begin activating and testing the satellite and its instruments at its control center in Darmstadt to prepare the device for the start of operational data provision.