ESA's MTG-I2 weather satellite returns first images with 2.5-minute scan over Europe
The second Meteosat Third Generation imager satellite sent its first images of Europe and Africa; in rapid scan mode it will refresh Europe and North Africa every 2.5 minutes.
The second Imager satellite of the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) mission, MTG-I2, has delivered its first images showing weather patterns over Europe and Africa, according to esa.int. esa.int
esa.intesa.intOpen source ↗ When fully operational, its Flexible Combined Imager in rapid scan mode will provide data over Europe and North Africa every 2.5 minutes.
The first published sequence covers 45 hours at 2.5-minute intervals, starting on 3 November 2026. It shows fog and low clouds lingering over central Europe, deep convective clouds developing over the Mediterranean, and clouds at different altitudes moving in opposite directions over the Atlantic Ocean. A smoke plume from a wildfire in central Portugal is also visible on 3 November.
Orbit and instruments
MTG-I2, like the first MTG Imager, flies in geostationary orbit at a distance of 36 000 km, roughly one-tenth of the distance to the Moon. From this orbit the satellite follows the same point on Earth's surface as the planet rotates.
The satellite carries two imaging instruments. One of them is the Flexible Combined Imager, which can operate in different scanning modes. On MTG-I2 it provides the rapid scanning service over Europe. This complements the instrument on the first MTG Imager, which delivers an image of a full Earth hemisphere every 10 minutes. esa.int
esa.intesa.intOpen source ↗
ESA states that the 2.5-minute cycle will let meteorologists follow the development of weather systems in more detail and will support more accurate forecasts and earlier prediction of severe weather. According to the agency, the instrument also raises the quality, quantity and frequency of observations for European forecasting and supplies data for climate monitoring.
Status and next satellites
MTG-I2 was launched on 27 August 2026 and completed the first family of three MTG satellites. The satellite is still undergoing calibration and validation; operational service is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2027.
From 2033 the second family of MTG satellites will be launched in sequence, extending the mission beyond 2040. esa.int
esa.intesa.intOpen source ↗ The constellation also provides information and imagery for monitoring hydrology, agriculture and environmental studies, as well as for risk prevention and disaster warnings.
The satellite was developed by ESA through Thales Alenia Space, to requirements set by EUMETSAT in consultation with the meteorological services of its Member States.
