Science / Space
European weather satellite returns first images ahead of operational service
MTG-I2 is still being calibrated, with service expected in the second quarter of 2027.
Status: source-checked.
According to ESA, europe’s MTG-I2 weather satellite returned its first images of conditions over Europe and Africa, the European Space Agency said Friday. A published sequence follows weather patterns over 45 hours beginning Nov. 3.
When operational, the satellite’s Flexible Combined Imager is intended to provide rapid-scan data over Europe and North Africa every 2.5 minutes. That service complements the first MTG Imager’s full-hemisphere images every 10 minutes, ESA said.
The satellite launched Aug. 27 and remains in calibration and validation. ESA expects operational service to begin in the second quarter of 2027; first images do not mean the operational service has already started.
What we know / what we don't
What we know
- According to ESA, europe’s MTG-I2 weather satellite returned its first images of conditions over Europe and Africa, the European Space Agency said Friday. A published sequence follows weather patterns over 45 hours beginning Nov. 3.
- When operational, the satellite’s Flexible Combined Imager is intended to provide rapid-scan data over Europe and North Africa every 2.5 minutes. That service complements the first MTG Imager’s full-hemisphere images every 10 minutes, ESA said.
- The satellite launched Aug. 27 and remains in calibration and validation. ESA expects operational service to begin in the second quarter of 2027; first images do not mean the operational service has already started.
What we don't know
- Forecast improvements are mission objectives, not measured outcomes established by these first images.
The source record