# Meteosat 16

> planned European weather satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q18472901](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18472901)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/meteosat-16

## Summary
Meteosat 16 is a planned European weather satellite as part of the Meteosat Third Generation program. It is designed to feature advanced infrared sounding systems and will operate in geostationary orbit. The satellite is part of the broader Meteosat Third Generation - Sounder series, which includes instruments like the InfraRed Sounder and Sentinel-4.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Meteosat Third Generation - Sounder satellite
- **Operator**: EUMETSAT
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 units)
- **Manufacturer**: Thales Alenia Space (general contractor), OHB System AG (spacecraft bus)
- **Spacecraft Bus**: SmallGEO
- **Key Instruments**: InfraRed Sounder, Sentinel-4, Next Generation Radiation Monitor
- **Aliases**: Meteosat Third Generation - Sounder 2, Meteosat Third Generation-Sounder 2, Sentinel 4B, MTG-S 2, MTG-S2

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of Meteosat 16?
A: Meteosat 16 is part of the Meteosat Third Generation program, designed to provide advanced weather monitoring with infrared sounding capabilities. It will support meteorological observations and environmental monitoring.

### Q: Who operates Meteosat 16?
A: Meteosat 16 is operated by EUMETSAT, the European organization responsible for monitoring weather and climate.

### Q: What instruments will Meteosat 16 carry?
A: Meteosat 16 will carry the InfraRed Sounder, Sentinel-4, and the Next Generation Radiation Monitor to enhance weather and environmental data collection.

### Q: What is the Meteosat Third Generation program?
A: The Meteosat Third Generation program is an advanced series of European weather satellites featuring improved infrared sounding systems and enhanced monitoring capabilities compared to previous generations.

### Q: How is Meteosat 16 different from earlier satellites?
A: Meteosat 16 is part of the third generation, which includes advanced sounding systems and improved instruments like Sentinel-4, providing more detailed and accurate weather data.

## Why It Matters
Meteosat 16 plays a crucial role in European weather forecasting and climate monitoring. As part of the Meteosat Third Generation program, it will enhance the accuracy of weather predictions and environmental observations. The satellite’s advanced infrared sounding capabilities and instruments like Sentinel-4 will provide more detailed atmospheric data, improving both short-term weather forecasts and long-term climate models. By operating in geostationary orbit, Meteosat 16 will continuously monitor weather patterns, contributing to better disaster preparedness and environmental management. Its role in supporting EUMETSAT’s mission ensures that Europe remains at the forefront of satellite-based meteorology and climate science.

## Notable For
- **Advanced Sounding Systems**: Features infrared sounding technology for precise atmospheric analysis.
- **Sentinel-4 Integration**: Carries the Sentinel-4 instrument, which supports air quality monitoring.
- **Next-Gen Radiation Monitoring**: Includes the Next Generation Radiation Monitor for enhanced environmental data.
- **Geostationary Orbit**: Provides continuous coverage of weather patterns over Europe and Africa.
- **Collaboration**: Developed by Thales Alenia Space and OHB System AG, showcasing international cooperation in space technology.

## Body
### Overview
Meteosat 16 is a planned satellite in the Meteosat Third Generation program, designed to improve weather forecasting and environmental monitoring. It is part of the Sounder series, which includes advanced infrared sounding systems.

### Technical Specifications
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit, ensuring continuous coverage.
- **Power**: Two spacecraft solar arrays provide energy.
- **Manufacturers**: Thales Alenia Space (general contractor) and OHB System AG (spacecraft bus).
- **Spacecraft Bus**: SmallGEO, optimized for geostationary missions.

### Instruments
- **InfraRed Sounder**: Provides detailed atmospheric data for weather analysis.
- **Sentinel-4**: Supports air quality monitoring and environmental tracking.
- **Next Generation Radiation Monitor**: Enhances radiation detection capabilities.

### Significance
Meteosat 16 is part of EUMETSAT’s efforts to maintain and improve weather and climate monitoring. Its advanced instruments will contribute to more accurate forecasts and better environmental management. The satellite’s role in the Meteosat Third Generation program underscores Europe’s commitment to cutting-edge space technology.

## References

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