The MTG-S1 meteorological observation satellite was successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Built by OHB System AG, MTG-S1 carries Europe’s first hyperspectral infrared sounding instrument designed for geostationary orbit.
Thales Alenia Space, the joint company between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), is responsible for the development, assembly, integration and testing of the main payload, which includes a high-precision interferometer and an advanced infrared detection system.
The primary objective of the MTG-S1 sounding satellite is to improve Europe’s numerical weather prediction (NWP) capabilities, both at regional and global scales. Thanks to its hyperspectral infrared sounding instrument, MTG-S1 enables 3D mapping of the atmosphere by precisely measuring temperature and humidity across latitude, longitude and altitude. These measurements will enable forecasters to detect the early warning signs of storms and will improve NWP models.
MTG-S1 also carries the Copernicus Sentinel-4 instrument, built by Airbus Defence and Space, which is dedicated to monitoring air quality and greenhouse gas concentrations from space. This instrument is equipped with an ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared spectrometer.
The combination of these two instruments will contribute to improved air quality forecasting and will provide a wealth of information for the benefit of public health, agriculture and scientific research.
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04 July 2025
