Meteosat MTG-I2 Satellite Launch Set for August 27th

Published on 05/08/2026 06:25 in technology • Reuben Adams

The Meteosat MTG-I2 third-generation meteorological satellite will launch from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana on August 27th, joining the existing MTG constellation operated by Eumetsat. This mission aims to provide unprecedented detail in weather forecasting and climate monitoring across Europe and North Africa.

Significant European Collaboration

The MTG-I2 will launch aboard an Ariane 6 rocket, marking the rocket’s inaugural mission to geostationary orbit, approximately 36,000 kilometers above the equator. The satellite incorporates two key instruments: a ‘Lightning Imager’ and a ‘Flexible Combined Imager’. The Lightning Imagers will continuously track lightning strikes, while the Flexible Combined Imagers provide high-resolution images of rapidly evolving weather systems, crucial for timely weather warnings and air traffic safety.

Data and Impact

Data and Impact

The MTG constellation is expected to generate at least 50 times more data than previous Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellites, representing a significant advancement in predicting severe weather events. Spain has played a crucial role in the development of this satellite, with the country’s space industry experiencing a 14.9% increase in revenue in 2024, reaching nearly 1.3 billion euros, according to a PwC report for TEDAE. This sector also employs over 22,700 people and invests approximately 13% of its consolidated revenue in R&D. Spain’s space sector contributes 2.087 billion euros to the country’s industrial GDP, representing 1.2% of Spain’s industrial GDP in 2024.

Key Spanish Contributions

Key Spanish Contributions

Airbus Spain is responsible for the main instrument’s structure and thermal control – the Flexible Combined Imager – which provides continuous, ultra-precise satellite images of Earth. Airbus also developed the structural panels for the platform. Other Spanish companies, including Thales Alenia Space, Airbus Crisa, and Alban Pichon, have contributed components such as the PCDU, CCE and TPH units, essential for the satellite’s operation.