The European Space Agency and EUMETSAT launched the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) Imager satellite from French Guiana on Dec. 13, 2026 [2].
This launch marks the beginning of a new era in European meteorological observation. By providing more frequent and detailed imagery, the satellite allows forecasters to better predict severe weather events and solar activity, capabilities critical for protecting infrastructure and saving lives.
Launch services were provided by Arianespace, which utilized an Ariane 5 rocket [1] to send the craft from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou [2]. The launch occurred at 21:30 CET, which was 17:30 local time in Kourou [2].
The MTG Imager is the first of a series of geostationary weather satellites designed to modernize Europe's atmospheric monitoring. These satellites focus on providing sharper imagery and improving short-term weather forecasting [2]. This includes enhanced solar-forecasting capabilities to better manage energy grids and satellite communications [5].
Reports regarding the satellite's operational timeline vary. One report said the first MTG satellite became fully operational on Dec. 4, 2026, and was renamed Meteosat-12 [3]. However, other reports said the MTG-Imager launched on Dec. 13, 2026, and was beginning operational testing at that time [2].
The imager is only one part of the broader MTG program. The series will eventually include sounding capabilities to provide vertical profiles of temperature and humidity. The launch of the MTG-Sounder 1 is scheduled for July 2, 2026 [4].
The collaboration between ESA and EUMETSAT ensures that the data collected is distributed across European meteorological services to refine regional weather models.
“The MTG Imager is the first of a series of geostationary weather satellites designed to modernize Europe's atmospheric monitoring.”
The transition to the Meteosat Third Generation represents a significant leap in spatial and temporal resolution for weather monitoring. By integrating higher-frequency imagery with upcoming sounding data, Europe reduces its reliance on legacy systems and increases its ability to predict rapid-onset weather phenomena, which is essential for climate adaptation and disaster risk management.
