# Meteosat 15

> planned European weather satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q18472892](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18472892)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/meteosat-15

## Summary
Meteosat 15 is a planned European weather satellite also known by the designations Meteosat Third Generation - Imager 3 (MTG-I 3) and MTG-I3. It is an instance of the Meteosat Third Generation - Imager class, operated by EUMETSAT and designed to function in geostationary orbit.

## Key Facts
*   **Aliases:** Meteosat Third Generation - Imager 3, MTG-I 3, MTG-I3
*   **Operator:** EUMETSAT
*   **Classification:** Instance of Meteosat Third Generation - Imager
*   **Orbit:** Geostationary orbit
*   **Manufacturers:** Thales Alenia Space (general contractor) and OHB System AG (spacecraft bus)
*   **Spacecraft Bus:** SmallGEO
*   **Power Source:** Spacecraft solar array (quantity: 2)
*   **Scientific Instruments:**
    *   Flexible Combined Imager
    *   Lightning Imager
    *   Next Generation Radiation Monitor

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is Meteosat 15?
A: Meteosat 15 is a weather satellite classified as a Meteosat Third Generation - Imager. It is planned to operate in geostationary orbit.

### Q: Who manufactures and operates Meteosat 15?
A: The satellite is operated by EUMETSAT. It is manufactured by a consortium including Thales Alenia Space (general contractor) and OHB System AG, which provided the spacecraft bus.

### Q: What instruments does Meteosat 15 carry?
A: The satellite carries three primary instruments: the Flexible Combined Imager, the Lightning Imager, and the Next Generation Radiation Monitor.

## Why It Matters
Meteosat 15 represents a critical component of Europe's next-generation meteorological infrastructure. As part of the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) program, this satellite provides significant advancements over previous generations through its specialized imaging systems. The inclusion of the Lightning Imager and the Flexible Combined Imager allows for more detailed monitoring of weather patterns, storm systems, and atmospheric conditions from geostationary orbit.

The satellite's development involves complex industrial cooperation, utilizing the SmallGEO bus platform and advanced solar power arrays to ensure longevity and reliability in orbit. By hosting the Next Generation Radiation Monitor, it also contributes to space weather monitoring, providing essential data for both meteorological forecasting and the safety of space assets.

## Notable For
*   **Third Generation Technology:** Being part of the Meteosat Third Generation - Imager class, featuring advanced imaging systems.
*   **Lightning Detection:** Carrying a dedicated Lightning Imager, a capability highlighted in its instrument manifest.
*   **Platform:** Utilizing the SmallGEO spacecraft bus, manufactured by OHB System AG.
*   **Industrial Leadership:** Being built by Thales Alenia Space as the general contractor.

## Body

### Development and Manufacturing
Meteosat 15 is developed under the Meteosat Third Generation program. The manufacturing responsibilities are divided between major European aerospace contractors. **Thales Alenia Space** serves as the general contractor for the satellite. **OHB System AG** is responsible for the construction of the spacecraft bus, which is identified as the **SmallGEO** platform.

### Mission Payload
The satellite is equipped with a specific suite of scientific instruments designed for weather observation and environmental monitoring:
*   **Flexible Combined Imager:** The primary instrument for high-resolution imaging.
*   **Lightning Imager:** Designed to detect lightning discharges.
*   **Next Generation Radiation Monitor:** Used for monitoring the radiation environment in space.

### Technical Specifications
The satellite is designed to operate in a **geostationary orbit**, maintaining a fixed position relative to the Earth's surface. It is powered by a **spacecraft solar array** system comprising **two** arrays. The satellite is operated by **EUMETSAT**, the European operational satellite agency for monitoring weather and climate.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/mtg-i.htm)
2. [Source](https://space.oscar.wmo.int/satelliteprogrammes/view/meteosat_3rd_generation)