Second Meteosat Third Generation Imager Passes Key Thermal Testing

Meteorological Space Systems Second Meteosat Third Generation Imager Passes Key Thermal Testing

2025-09-08 Source: ESA 1 min Reading Time

The Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) programme has reached another milestone as the second MTG Imager satellite, MTG-I2, successfully completed thermal vacuum testing at Thales Alenia Space’s cleanroom facility in Cannes, France.

Second MTG-Imager passes thermal vacuum test.(Source: ESA) — Second MTG-Imager passes thermal vacuum test.
(Source: ESA)

MTG-I2 is the third satellite in the MTG series, following the launch of MTG-I1 in December 2022 and the MTG-Sounder MTG-S1 in July 2025. Together, these satellites will deliver advanced meteorological data from geostationary orbit, supporting European and global weather forecasting for the next two decades.

The thermal vacuum test, designed to replicate the extreme temperature variations of space, confirmed that MTG-I2 can operate in conditions ranging from −180 °C to +150 °C as it moves between direct sunlight and Earth’s shadow. According to Francesco Cainero, ESA’s Lead Space Segment Engineer, the test campaign benefited from lessons learned during the first MTG-Imager’s qualification phase, allowing this round of tests to be completed more efficiently.

The MTG mission is a joint initiative between Eumetsat and ESA. ESA is responsible for the development and procurement of all six MTG satellites, while Eumetsat defines system requirements, develops ground infrastructure, procures launch services, and distributes meteorological data to users.

With the Lightning Imager and Flexible Combined Imager instruments now integrated and tested, the next steps for MTG-I2 include the installation of solar arrays, Ka-band antenna systems, and payload components for data collection and search-and-rescue operations. Vibration testing will then simulate launch conditions ahead of final system validation tests with Eumetsat. Launch is scheduled for 2026.

When operational, MTG-I2 will complete the first family of MTG satellites—two Imagers and one Sounder—providing real-time lightning detection and high-resolution weather monitoring capabilities for Europe and beyond.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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