The MTG-I2 meteorological satellite was successfully launched yesterday, 27 August, aboard an Ariane 6 rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. It is the second Meteosat Third Generation imaging satellite, developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) in collaboration with EUMETSAT. Its entry into orbit completes the first family of three operational MTG satellites, comprising two MTG-I imaging satellites and one MTG-S atmospheric sounding satellite. This represents the first milestone in a programme encompassing a total of six satellites designed to ensure the continuity of European meteorological services over the coming decades.

The mission will strengthen weather forecasting capabilities and enable more accurate monitoring of rapidly developing atmospheric phenomena. To achieve this, it will provide high-resolution images of the atmosphere over Europe and North Africa, with new observations of Europe every 2.5 minutes. This increased frequency will make it easier to track the development of weather systems, help improve early warnings and provide useful information for monitoring wildfires and air pollution.

Sener has been involved in the MTG programme since the development of its onboard instruments, contributing critical mechanisms featured across all six satellites in the constellation. The company has been responsible for designing and supplying the scanning mechanisms for the FCI (Flexible Combined Imager) and IRS (InfraRed Sounder) instruments. These mechanisms enable the instruments’ telescopes to be positioned with the precision and stability required to obtain observations. The company has also developed the calibration and shutter mechanisms for both instruments, as well as the equipment used to verify the satellites’ attitude and orbit control subsystem on the ground. Sener’s contribution to these mechanisms covers all six satellites in the programme: the four MTG-I satellites, equipped with the FCI instrument, and the two MTG-S satellites, which incorporate the IRS.

Sener is also responsible for the DCS (Data Collection System), which collects environmental data recorded by platforms located in remote areas, such as weather stations, ocean buoys and tide gauges. These platforms measure parameters relating to weather conditions, rainfall, river levels and flow rates, water quality and tides, among others. The data is sent to the satellite and immediately relayed to ground stations for processing and distribution, providing valuable information for observation and forecasting, particularly in areas where alternative communications are limited.

The DCS can also issue alerts when certain parameters exceed established thresholds, supporting activities such as flood monitoring and tsunami warning systems. In addition, Sener has been responsible for the integration and validation of the complete panel, which includes the GEOSAR system developed by Kongsberg.

Sener’s involvement in MTG forms part of its long-standing contribution to the meteorological programmes developed by ESA and EUMETSAT, further strengthening the role of Spanish industry in one of the world’s most advanced meteorological infrastructures.