# Meteosat 12 > European weather satellite **Wikidata**: [Q18472883](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18472883) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTG-I1) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/meteosat-12 ## Summary Meteosat 12 is a European weather satellite and the first model of the Meteosat Third Generation - Imager (MTG-I) class. Launched in December 2022, it is operated by EUMETSAT to provide advanced meteorological imaging and lightning detection from geostationary orbit. ## Key Facts - **Launch Date:** December 13, 2022, at 20:30:07 UTC. - **Launch Vehicle:** Ariane 5 ECA+ (Flight VA259). - **Launch Weight:** 3,760 kilograms. - **Orbit:** Geostationary orbit. - **Scientific Instruments:** Flexible Combined Imager, Lightning Imager, and Next Generation Radiation Monitor. - **Manufacturers:** Thales Alenia Space (General Contractor) and OHB System AG (Spacecraft Bus). - **Operator:** EUMETSAT. - **Spacecraft Bus:** SmallGEO. - **Preceded By:** Meteosat 11. - **Aliases:** Meteosat Third Generation - Imager 1, MTG-I 1, MTG-I1. ## FAQs ### Q: What is the primary purpose of Meteosat 12? A: Meteosat 12 is a third-generation European weather satellite designed for advanced meteorological observations. It provides high-resolution imaging and real-time lightning detection to improve weather forecasting and climate monitoring. ### Q: When was Meteosat 12 launched and by what vehicle? A: The satellite was launched on December 13, 2022. It was carried into space by an Ariane 5 ECA+ rocket (flight VA259) from the ELA-3 launch site. ### Q: Who manufactured and operates Meteosat 12? A: The satellite was built by Thales Alenia Space as the general contractor, with OHB System AG providing the SmallGEO spacecraft bus. It is operated by EUMETSAT, the European operational satellite agency for monitoring weather and climate. ### Q: What scientific instruments are on board Meteosat 12? A: Meteosat 12 is equipped with three primary instruments: the Flexible Combined Imager (FCI), the Lightning Imager (LI), and the Next Generation Radiation Monitor (NGRM). ## Why It Matters Meteosat 12 represents a major technological advancement in European meteorology as the inaugural satellite of the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) program. By succeeding the second-generation Meteosat 11, it introduces more sophisticated imaging capabilities that allow for higher-resolution data and more frequent updates. The inclusion of the Lightning Imager is particularly significant, as it provides meteorologists with the ability to monitor atmospheric electrical activity in real-time from space. This data is critical for EUMETSAT and its member states to improve early warning systems for severe weather events. Positioned in geostationary orbit, the satellite provides continuous monitoring of weather systems over Europe and Africa, playing a vital role in public safety, aviation, and climate research. ## Notable For - **First of Class:** It is the first satellite of the Meteosat Third Generation - Imager (MTG-I) series. - **Advanced Imaging:** Features the Flexible Combined Imager, which provides more detailed meteorological data than previous generations. - **Lightning Detection:** Carries a dedicated Lightning Imager to track atmospheric electrical discharges. - **SmallGEO Bus:** Utilizes the SmallGEO spacecraft bus manufactured by OHB System AG. - **Final Ariane 5 Missions:** Launched as part of flight VA259, one of the final missions for the Ariane 5 ECA+ launch vehicle. ## Body ### Technical Specifications and Construction Meteosat 12, also identified as MTG-I1, has a launch mass of 3,760 kilograms. The satellite was constructed through a partnership of European aerospace firms; Thales Alenia Space served as the general contractor, while OHB System AG was responsible for the spacecraft bus, which is based on the SmallGEO platform. The satellite is powered by two spacecraft solar arrays. ### Launch and Orbital Data The satellite was launched on December 13, 2022, from the ELA-3 launch site in Kourou, French Guiana. It was deployed using an Ariane 5 ECA+ rocket (flight VA259). Meteosat 12 operates in geostationary orbit, allowing it to maintain a constant position relative to the Earth's surface. Its international identifiers include COSPAR ID 2022-170C and Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 54743. During its deployment phase, the mission utilized the ESC-D H14.7 space tug. ### Scientific Instrumentation The satellite carries a suite of three primary scientific instruments designed for comprehensive atmospheric monitoring: * **Flexible Combined Imager (FCI):** The main imaging system used for capturing high-resolution meteorological data. * **Lightning Imager (LI):** A specialized sensor designed to detect and map lightning strikes across the satellite's field of view. * **Next Generation Radiation Monitor (NGRM):** An instrument used to monitor the radiation environment in the satellite's orbital path. ### Mission Context Meteosat 12 is the successor to Meteosat 11 and marks the transition from the second to the third generation of European weather satellites. It is operated by EUMETSAT as part of a broader effort to modernize meteorological infrastructure for Europe and Africa. The satellite is also cataloged under the Wolfram Language entity code "54743" and Google Knowledge Graph ID "/g/11b6cxdwk8". ## References 1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/mtg-i.htm) 2. Jonathan's Space Report 3. Czech National Authority Database 4. [Source](https://space.oscar.wmo.int/satelliteprogrammes/view/meteosat_3rd_generation)