Europe’s next-generation weather satellite sends back first images
European Space Agency • • world
Key Points:
- The Meteosat Third Generation-Sounder (MTG-S) satellite, launched in July 2025, has released its first images showing detailed temperature and humidity data from geostationary orbit, enhancing weather forecasting over Europe and northern Africa.
- MTG-S uses an Infrared Sounder instrument with 1700 infrared channels to capture hyperspectral data, enabling the creation of three-dimensional atmospheric maps that improve prediction of severe storms and nowcasting capabilities.
- The satellite provides updated temperature and humidity data every 30 minutes, complementing cloud and lightning observations from the MTG-Imager, with full-disc Earth images captured from 36,000 km above the surface.
- ESA and partners emphasize that MTG-S’s advanced data will significantly