Europe’s 3rd generation of weather satellites

When fully deployed in 2026, the three satellites will provide 50 times more data than the current Meteosat second generation, allowing meteorologists to improve the accuracy of forecasts


METEOSAT THIRD GENERATION (MTG)
Three satellites in geostationary orbit, 36,000km above equator
Cost: €4.3bn


IMAGING SATELLITE 1

Flexible Combined Imager: Scans full earth disc every 10 minutes in high resolution

Lightning imager: Four cameras record real-time electrical discharges for first time, improving short-range storm forecast


IMAGING SATELLITE 2 
Second imaging satellite provides images of Europe every 2.5 minutes


SOUNDING SATELLITE
Uses infrared to provide three-dimensional profiles of atmosphere over Europe, taking temperature and humidity readings every 30 minutes


Pictures: Eumetsat
Sources: Eumetsat, European Space Agency (ESA), Thales Alenia Space, FT 
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