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Credit: Data processed in collaboration with industrial partners Thales and OHB, under the supervision of EUMETSAT and ESA. Visual produced by EUMETSAT.

MTG-S1: First Data from the European Sounder Revealed at the European Space Conference

MTG-S1: First Data from the Sounder Revealed at the European Space Conference

At the 18th European Space Conference in Brussels, the first images from the MTG-S1 (Meteosat Third Generation-Sounder) satellite were officially presented. This next-generation satellite, following its successful orbital deployment in July 2025, has begun transmitting its operational data streams.

What are the objectives of MTG-S1?

The MTG-S1 satellite enables 3D atmospheric observation for more accurate weather forecasting. Its primary mission focuses on four key areas:

  • 3D Mapping: Measuring temperature and humidity at various altitudes to model air masses in successive layers.
  • Enhanced “Nowcasting”: Anticipating severe phenomena (thunderstorms, storms) before they are detected by conventional ground-based radars.
  • Pollution Monitoring: Utilizing the Copernicus Sentinel-4 instrument for hourly air quality tracking (nitrogen dioxide and ozone) over Europe and North Africa.
  • Aviation Safety: Identifying invisible turbulence and analyzing cloud composition to optimize flight paths and fuel efficiency.

Analysis of MTG-S1 First Infrared Sounding (IRS) Data

Data transmitted from an altitude of 36,000 km allows for the visualization of the Earth’s thermodynamic state with unprecedented precision:

  1. Temperature: The Infrared Sounder (IRS) uses a long-wave channel to map heat from the Earth’s surface and cloud tops. The warmest areas (dark red) are clearly visible across the African and South American continents, while blue indicates lower temperatures at the tops of clouds.

    Global surface and cloud-top temperatures by MTG-Sounder. Credit: Data processed by industrial partners Thales and OHB, under the supervision of Eumetsat and ESA. Visual produced by Eumetsat.

    Global surface and cloud-top temperatures by MTG-Sounder. Credit Data: processed by industrial partners Thales and OHB, under the supervision of Eumetsat and ESA. Visual produced by Eumetsat.

  2. Humidity: Using a mid-wave infrared channel, the satellite measures atmospheric water vapor. Blue zones indicate high humidity, while red zones signify drier air.
Global air humidity by MTG-Sounder. Credit : Data processed by industrial partners Thales and OHB, under the supervision of Eumetsat and ESA. Visual produced by Eumetsat.

Global air humidity by MTG-Sounder. Credit : Data processed by industrial partners Thales and OHB, under the supervision of Eumetsat and ESA. Visual produced by Eumetsat.

Embedded Technologies and 3D PLUS Storage Solutions for MTG

This satellite is the first in a series of six (four MTG-I imagers and two MTG-S sounders) designed to ensure the continuity of meteorological services until 2040-2045. The mission’s success relies on high-reliability electronic components.

3D PLUS contributed to this project by providing  memory solutions  SDRAM, NAND Flash and DDR2  integrated into the data recorder and the on-board computer. These technologies guarantee robust data processing and storage under the extreme conditions of space.

Credit: EUMETSAT

MTG-S1 Weather monitoring satellite

MTG-S1 Weather monitoring satellite

 

Temperatures over Europe and northern Africa by MTG-Sounder. Credit : Data processed in collaboration with industrial partners Thales and OHB, under the supervision of EUMETSAT and ESA. Visual produced by EUMETSAT.