The Meteosat Third Generation Sounder 1 (MTG-S1) satellite was successfully launched on July 1, 2025, marking a significant advancement in Europe's weather forecasting capabilities. Positioned approximately 36,000 kilometers above Earth, MTG-S1 is now in its commissioning phase, managed by EUMETSAT.
Equipped with the Infrared Sounder (IRS) and the Copernicus Sentinel-4 Ultraviolet-Visible-Near-Infrared (UVN) spectrometer, MTG-S1 is designed to enhance the monitoring of atmospheric conditions. The IRS provides vertical profiles of temperature, humidity, and trace gases, improving the forecasting of atmospheric instability. The Sentinel-4 instrument monitors air quality by tracking aerosols and concentrations of various gases, contributing to better air quality predictions.
MTG-S1 is part of the Meteosat Third Generation program, a collaborative effort between the European Space Agency (ESA) and EUMETSAT, ensuring the continuation of vital weather data collection for the next two decades. This program aims to provide more frequent, accurate, and comprehensive observations of atmospheric phenomena, thereby enhancing weather forecasting and climate monitoring across Europe and beyond.
The successful launch of MTG-S1 represents a significant leap in technological capabilities, offering enhanced atmospheric monitoring and improved weather forecasting. This advancement underscores the collaborative spirit of the ESA and EUMETSAT, ensuring Europe remains at the forefront of weather observation technology.