The second of the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) satellites and the first instrument for the Copernicus Sentinel-4 mission are fully integrated and, having completed their functional and environmental tests, they are now ready to embark on their journey to the U.S. for launch this summer.
A Glimpse into the Future of Atmospheric Monitoring
The MTG-S satellite will provide improved data for weather forecasting and storm detection, while Sentinel-4 will monitor air quality over Europe. Both of these missions are world-class Earth Observation satellites developed in collaboration with European partners to address profound scientific and societal challenges, such as air pollution and extreme weather events. In the next sections, we will explore the significance, capabilities, and future prospects of these missions.
MTG-S and Sentinel-4: A Collaborative Endeavor
According to Simonetta Cheli, Director of ESA's Earth Observation Programs, "These missions, which will launch together as one satellite, are the culmination of more than a decade of European partnership and dedication. They really underline the strength of Europe's cooperation, involving thousands of people and over 120 companies. ESA has played a central role in supporting these missions to improve data on air quality and weather systems, for the benefit of society.”
Understanding the MTG Mission
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2025 |
| Primary Function | Weather Forecasting and Air Quality Monitoring |
| Satellite Types | MTG-Imager and MTG-Sounder |
A Guarantee for Weather Forecasting
The MTG mission already has one satellite in orbit—the MTG-Imager (MTG-I). Hence, MTG-S will be the second MTG satellite to be launched. Its Infrared Sounder employs interferometric techniques to gather data on temperature, humidity, wind, and trace gases used to generate 3D maps of the atmosphere, improving the accuracy of MTG's weather prediction.
Another imaging satellite will subsequently be launched to complete the first set of three MTG satellites. These satellites will eventually be replaced by three identical satellites (two more imagers and another sounder) to guarantee continuity of data for weather forecasting from geostationary orbit for the next two decades. When all three MTG satellites are operational, the mission is expected to produce at least 50 times more data than its predecessor, the Meteosat Second Generation mission.
ESA's MTG Project Manager, James Champion, said: "After years of developing the MTG-S satellite and following its lengthy build and test activities, including the integration of the Sentinel-4 instrument, it's fantastic to see the first Sounder satellite finally ready for launch. This is yet another milestone on our way to having the second of the MTG trio of satellites in orbit."
Monitoring the Air We Breathe with Sentinel-4
The MTG-S satellite hosts the Copernicus Sentinel-4 mission with an ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared (UVN) spectrometer that captures data every hour to monitor air quality and pollution over Europe and North Africa.
Key Features of Sentinel-4
- High-Resolution Data: Monitors gases that affect air quality such as nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, and formaldehyde.
- Geostationary Position: Delivering data every 60 minutes during daylight hours, offering continuous monitoring of air pollution.
- Complementary Missions: Supports the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service for rapid forecasting while working alongside Sentinel-5 and Sentinel-5P missions.
Sentinel-4 is Europe’s contribution to the global constellation of Geostationary Air Quality sensors, collaborating with Korea's Gems and NASA's Tempo systems, which monitor air pollution across Asia and North America respectively. This reflects a strategic and concerted effort to address global air quality concerns.
Collaborating for a Cleaner Future
ESA’s Project Manager for the Sentinel-4 mission, Giorgio Bagnasco, emphasized the collaborative nature of the mission, stating:
"The teams at ESA and our industry partners have pooled their knowledge and experience to make this game-changing mission. Its final objective has motivated us throughout these 11 years: providing data for air quality forecasts, health warnings, and developing mitigation policies and strategies."
Thales Alenia Space was the prime contractor for the overall MTG mission, with OHB Systems responsible for the MTG-Sounder. The prime contractor for Sentinel-4 is Airbus Defense and Space. Shared responsibility for mission control and data distribution among both MTG-S and Sentinel-4 will be managed by Eumetsat.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
The synergistic partnership between the Meteosat Third Generation satellites and the Copernicus Sentinel missions is a monumental step towards enhanced weather prediction and improved air quality monitoring in Europe. These missions are not only a testament to European collaboration in space technology but also a crucial investment in garnering reliable atmospheric data that ultimately benefits society. The joint launch of MTG-S and Sentinel-4 underscores a commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges head-on.
As we look forward to the launch this summer, it is evident that these missions represent a leap forward in our ability to understand and respond to our ever-changing planet.
References
For further insight and updates on these missions:
