MTG-I2 hoisted onto launch vehicle adapter

The Meteosat Third Generation-Imager2 (MTG-I2) has been positioned on the launch vehicle adapter, which will connect the satellite to the upper stage of the rocket during liftoff. The satellite is seen here being hoisted by a crane, with a white umbrella in place to protect the satellite from debris.

Also seen in the image is the nose cone (fairing) of the Ariane 6 launcher, complete with mission patch and ESA logo.

MTG-I2 is part of the MTG constellation – a cutting-edge weather mission based on the long-standing partnership between the European Space Agency (ESA) and Eumetsat. MTG guarantees the continuity of data for weather forecasting from geostationary orbit for the next two decades. As well as providing a huge increase in the quality, quantity and frequency of data for European weather forecasting, the MTG instruments also provide climate data.