# Meteosat 10

> European weather satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q475355](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q475355)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/meteosat-10

## Summary  
Meteosat 10 is a European weather satellite launched on July 5, 2012, as part of the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) series. Operated by EUMETSAT, it provides critical meteorological data from geostationary orbit, supporting weather forecasting and climate monitoring across Europe, Africa, and the Atlantic.  

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: July 5, 2012, at 21:36 UTC.  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5 ECA (flight VA207).  
- **Operator**: EUMETSAT.  
- **Manufacturer**: Alcatel Space.  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2012-035B.  
- **Orbit**: Geostationary.  
- **Preceded By**: Meteosat 9.  
- **Followed By**: Meteosat 11.  
- **Aliases**: MSG-3.  
- **Image**: [MSG-4 satellite preparation](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/MSG-4_satellite_being_prepared_for_launch.jpg).  

## FAQs  
### Q: When was Meteosat 10 launched?  
A: Meteosat 10 was launched on July 5, 2012, at 21:36 UTC aboard an Ariane 5 ECA rocket from the ELA-3 launch pad.  

### Q: What is the primary role of Meteosat 10?  
A: Meteosat 10 is a geostationary weather satellite designed to monitor weather patterns, track storms, and collect climate data over Europe, Africa, and the Atlantic Ocean.  

### Q: Who operates Meteosat 10?  
A: The satellite is operated by EUMETSAT, the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites.  

## Why It Matters  
Meteosat 10 plays a vital role in global weather forecasting and climate research. As part of the Meteosat Second Generation series, it delivers high-resolution imagery and atmospheric data, enabling accurate short-term weather predictions and long-term climate studies. Its geostationary position allows continuous monitoring of the same region, critical for tracking severe weather events like hurricanes or droughts. By extending the operational lifespan of the MSG fleet, Meteosat 10 ensures continuity in data provision, supporting disaster management, aviation safety, and agricultural planning across Europe and Africa.  

## Notable For  
- **Advanced Instrumentation**: Equipped with improved imaging sensors compared to earlier Meteosat satellites.  
- **Geostationary Coverage**: Provides constant monitoring of Europe, Africa, and the Atlantic.  
- **Launch Heritage**: Part of the reliable Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle’s mission history.  
- **Operational Longevity**: Designed to extend the Meteosat Second Generation’s data services.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date/Time**: July 5, 2012, at 21:36 UTC.  
- **Launch Pad**: ELA-3 at the Guiana Space Centre.  
- **Rocket**: Ariane 5 ECA (flight VA207).  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Manufacturer**: Alcatel Space.  
- **Satellite Class**: Meteosat Second Generation.  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2012-035B.  
- **Orbit**: Geostationary, positioned over the equator.  

### Mission and Operations  
- **Operator**: EUMETSAT.  
- **Primary Mission**: Weather monitoring, climate data collection, and severe weather tracking.  
- **Predecessor**: Meteosat 9.  
- **Successor**: Meteosat 11.  
- **Significance**: Ensures continuity in the MSG series, supporting meteorological services and research institutions globally.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/msg-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report