Meteosat Third Generation (ESA / EUMETSAT)
Three weather satellites now watch Europe and Africa from 36,000 km up, with new images every 2.5 minutes and a camera that catches lightning day and night (ESA).
Image: NASA (iss073e0080625, May 15, 2025).
Last reviewed: 3 sources cited
Explain Like I'm 10
- Meteosat Third Generation is a team of weather satellites that watch Europe and Africa.
- One camera takes a new picture of the weather every 2.5 minutes.
- Another camera spots lightning, which helps warn people about dangerous storms.
The Five W's of Meteosat Third Generation
Who
ESA developed the satellites and EUMETSAT operates them, sharing the data. Thales Alenia Space led the European industry team that built them.
What
Imager and Sounder satellites. The Imagers carry a Flexible Combined Imager and a Lightning Imager that sees lightning by day and night.
When
The first Imager launched in 2022 and the Sounder followed. MTG-I2 launched on 27 August 2026 on Ariane 6, completing the three-satellite system.
Where
In A high orbit, about 22,000 miles up, where a satellite moves with Earth's spin and stays over the same spot. Glossary about 36,000 km up, watching the same part of Earth over Europe and Africa as it turns.
Why
Lightning is a clear sign of turbulence linked to extreme weather, so spotting it early allows early warnings and storm tracking.
Source: ESA, Lightning Imager
Impact Statement
Agency solution · active
MTG-I2 will deliver new images over Europe every 2.5 minutes, supporting early warnings and the tracking of wildfires and air pollution (ESA).
Source: ESA, MTG-I2 completes Europe's latest weather trio
For Further Information: ESA, MTG-I2 completes Europe's latest weather trio
Around the world there are over three million lightning flashes every day (ESA).
How This Saves People & the Planet
For People
MTG data support early warnings and will substantially improve weather forecasts for all European countries (ESA).
Source: ESA, MTG-I2 completes Europe's latest weather trio
For Nature
The satellites also provide key data for monitoring water, farming and the environment (ESA).
Get Involved With Meteosat Third Generation
Want to go deeper? ESA has the full MTG story.
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