N° 57–2022: Media advisory: Launch of the first Meteosat Third Generation satellite MTG-I1
8 November 2022
Media representatives are invited to witness the launch of the first Meteosat Third Generation satellite from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. The launch is currently planned for 14 December at 17:30 in French Guiana (21:30 CET).
Meteosat Third Generation Imager-1 (MTG-I1) is the first of a new generation of geostationary satellites providing imagery for the early detection and prediction of fast-developing severe storms, weather forecasting and climate monitoring. Once in orbit, this cutting-edge satellite promises to further bolster Europe's leadership in weather forecasting.
Building on the long-standing partnership between ESA and Eumetsat, Meteosat Third Generation will guarantee the continuity of and provide improved, critical data for weather forecasting from geostationary orbit for the next two decades. The MTG system, one of the most complex and innovative meteorological satellite systems ever built, is based on a series of two types of satellite: four MTG-Imagers and two MTG-Sounders. In a first for Europe, MTG-I1 will also carry a novel Lightning Imager. The first satellite, MTG-I1, is planned for launch on an Ariane 5 rocket on 14 December 2022.
Journalists are invited to the following media activities.
Europe’s Spaceport draft programme
Tuesday 13 December - Thursday 15 December
At Europe’s Spaceport, journalists may view the launch from the media centre at the Jupiter control complex on 14 December, where there will be interview opportunities with representatives of ESA, Eumetsat and Arianespace.
Journalists may also have the opportunity to visit spaceport facilities for Ariane 5 and Ariane 6; details to be confirmed.
ESTEC launch event draft programme
Wednesday, 14 December
- MTG-I1 launch
The programme and media registration will be detailed closer to the date and can be modified at short notice because of operational constraints. A variety of high-level experts and spokespersons are available for interviews.
Online pre-launch press briefing
Monday, 5 December 2022 TBC
A detailed programme and media registration will be available closer to the date. A variety of high-level experts and spokespersons are available for interviews.
ESA Web TV
The launch and the pre-launch press briefing will be transmitted via https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/ESA_Web_TV
Media registration
Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana
Please express interest by 11 November at 15:00 CET for the launch event in Kourou, French Guiana, specifying which media activity you would like to attend:
https://blogs.esa.int/forms/esa-media-briefing-form
After registering, media will receive additional information to attend the launch at Europe’s Spaceport.
Please note:
- all costs and expenses for this launch media trip will have to be borne by the participating media;
- because the number of places is limited, ESA cannot guarantee all interested media will be able to join this press programme;
- accreditation formalities to access the Europe’s Spaceport will have to be completed after confirmation of participation.
- yellow fever vaccination is compulsory (this is a condition for access and will be checked at the airport).
Further information
Meteosat Third Generation:
Meteosat Third Generation Imager-1
https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/EarthObservation/MTG-i1_factsheet_221006.pdf
ESA Space Transportation:
Social media
Follow ESA on
Twitter: @esa @ESA_EO @esa_sts @ariane5
Facebook: @EuropeanSpaceAgency
Instagram: @europeanspaceagency @ESA_Earth
LinkedIn: European Space Agency - ESA
Pinterest: European Space Agency - ESA
Hashtags: #MTGI1 #ariane5
Images
https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Missions/MTG/(result_type)/images
ESA's Photo Library for Professionals:
https://www.esa-photolibrary.com/
Terms and conditions for using ESA images:
www.esa.int/spaceinimages/ESA_Multimedia/Copyright_Notice_Images
For questions or more information related to ESA images, please contact directly spaceinimages@esa.int
Videos
https://www.esa.int/esatv/Videos/2022/09/New_weather_satellite_on_its_way_to_launch
https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Missions/MTG/(result_type)/videos
ESA's Video Library for Professionals:
https://www.esa.int/esatv/Videos_for_Professionals
Terms and conditions for using ESA videos: https://www.esa.int/spaceinvideos/Terms_and_Conditions
For questions or more information related to ESA videos, please contact directly spaceinvideos@esa.int
About the European Space Agency
The European Space Agency (ESA) provides Europe’s gateway to space.
ESA is an intergovernmental organisation, created in 1975, with the mission to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space delivers benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world
ESA has 22 Member States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia are Associate Members.
ESA has established formal cooperation with four Member States of the EU. Canada takes part in some ESA programmes under a Cooperation Agreement.
By coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its members, ESA can undertake programmes and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country. It is working in particular with the EU on implementing the Galileo and Copernicus programmes as well as with Eumetsat for the development of meteorological missions.
Learn more about ESA at www.esa.int
For further information:
ESA Newsroom and Media Relations Office – Ninja Menning
Email: media@esa.int
Tel: +31 71 5656409