MTG-I2 launches, completing Europe's three-satellite weather constellation

The second Meteosat Third Generation Imager satellite, MTG-I2, launched on an Ariane 6 rocket, flight VA270, from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana on August 27 at 22:11 CEST. The launch completes the three-satellite MTG constellation, joining the already-orbiting MTG-I1 imager and MTG-S1 sounder. Once commissioned, MTG-I2 will provide continuity and operational resilience for the mission, delivering rapid-scan imagery over Europe every 2.5 minutes to support forecasting of developing weather fronts, wildfires and atmospheric pollution. Following separation from the launcher, communication was established between the spacecraft and the Malindi ground station. The satellite’s next steps include activating its propulsion system and deploying its solar arrays before beginning a series of orbit-raising maneuvers over the coming weeks to reach its final geostationary position. Continue reading MTG-I2 launches, completing Europe’s three-satellite weather constellation at Meteorological Technology International.