On July 1, 2025, the Meteosat Third Generation Sounder 1 (MTG-S1) satellite was successfully launched into geostationary orbit. This mission marks a significant advancement in Europe's meteorological capabilities, providing continuous, high-resolution atmospheric data essential for weather forecasting and climate monitoring.
MTG-S1 is equipped with two primary instruments: the Infrared Sounder (IRS) and the Copernicus Sentinel-4 Ultraviolet-Visible-Near-Infrared (UVN) spectrometer. The IRS delivers vertical profiles of temperature, humidity, and trace gases, enabling meteorologists to detect early signs of severe weather events. The Sentinel-4 spectrometer monitors atmospheric pollutants, contributing to enhanced air quality assessments and climate studies.
Developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), MTG-S1 is part of the Meteosat Third Generation program, which aims to ensure the continuity of European weather monitoring for the next two decades. The program includes a constellation of six satellites: four imaging satellites and two sounding satellites. The first imaging satellite, Meteosat-12 (MTG-I1), was launched in December 2022, and MTG-S1 is the second satellite in the series.
The launch of MTG-S1 represents a collaborative effort among European nations and organizations, underscoring the region's commitment to advancing space-based weather observation technologies. The satellite's data is expected to significantly improve the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasts, thereby enhancing public safety and supporting various sectors dependent on precise meteorological information.