The Meteosat Third Generation Sounder 1 (MTG-S1) satellite was successfully launched on July 1, 2025, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This launch marks a significant advancement in Europe's ability to monitor and predict severe weather events. The satellite carries cutting-edge instruments designed to improve weather forecasting and air quality monitoring.
MTG-S1 is the second satellite in the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) program and the first to carry an Infrared Sounder. This instrument will provide high-frequency data on atmospheric temperature, humidity, and trace gases. The Infrared Sounder will scan nearly 2,000 thermal infrared wavelengths every 30 minutes, providing crucial data for identifying atmospheric instability.
In addition to the Infrared Sounder, MTG-S1 hosts the Copernicus Sentinel-4 mission, which monitors air quality. This mission provides hourly data on pollutants and aerosols, enhancing air quality forecasts across Europe and northern Africa. The collaboration between European agencies, including ESA and EUMETSAT, underscores the global impact of this mission.
The successful launch of MTG-S1 is expected to revolutionize weather forecasting and air quality monitoring. The satellite is expected to begin delivering operational data in the coming months. This will provide vital data to protect public health, strengthen environmental monitoring, and improve lives across Europe.