# Meteosat Third Generation - Sounder

> third generation model of European weather satellite featuring infrared sounding systems

**Wikidata**: [Q124073105](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124073105)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/meteosat-third-generation-sounder

## Summary
The **Meteosat Third Generation - Sounder (MTG-S)** is a third-generation European weather satellite model designed to feature advanced infrared sounding systems. It is part of the broader **Meteosat Third Generation** series, operated by **EUMETSAT**, and includes spacecraft like **Meteosat 13 and 16**. The satellite is powered by a **spacecraft solar array** and operates in a **geostationary orbit**, utilizing the **SmallGEO spacecraft bus**.

## Key Facts
- Part of the **Meteosat Third Generation** series of European weather satellites.
- Operated by **EUMETSAT** (European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites).
- Powered by a **spacecraft solar array** with **2 solar arrays**.
- Includes **Meteosat 13 and Meteosat 16** as part of its fleet.
- Operates in a **geostationary orbit**.
- Uses the **SmallGEO spacecraft bus**.
- Designed with **infrared sounding systems** for advanced weather monitoring.
- Manufactured by **Thales Alenia Space** (general contractor) and **OHB System AG** (spacecraft bus).
- Classified as a **spacecraft model** and a **subclass of Meteosat Third Generation**.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of the Meteosat Third Generation - Sounder?
A: The MTG-S is designed to feature **infrared sounding systems** for advanced weather monitoring, enhancing meteorological observations in geostationary orbit.

### Q: Who operates the Meteosat Third Generation - Sounder?
A: The satellite is operated by **EUMETSAT**, the European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites.

### Q: What type of orbit does the Meteosat Third Generation - Sounder use?
A: The MTG-S operates in a **geostationary orbit**, providing continuous coverage over Europe and Africa.

### Q: What are the key components of the Meteosat Third Generation - Sounder?
A: The satellite includes a **spacecraft solar array** (2 units) and uses the **SmallGEO spacecraft bus**, with manufacturing contributions from **Thales Alenia Space** and **OHB System AG**.

### Q: How does the Meteosat Third Generation - Sounder differ from previous models?
A: The MTG-S is part of the **third generation** of Meteosat satellites, featuring **advanced infrared sounding systems** for improved weather data collection compared to earlier models.

## Why It Matters
The **Meteosat Third Generation - Sounder** plays a critical role in **European weather monitoring**, providing enhanced infrared sounding capabilities for improved atmospheric analysis. As part of the **Meteosat Third Generation** series, it supports **EUMETSAT’s** mission to deliver high-resolution weather data, aiding meteorologists, climate researchers, and disaster response teams. The satellite’s **geostationary orbit** ensures continuous coverage over Europe and Africa, while its **infrared sounding systems** enable precise tracking of weather patterns, temperature profiles, and atmospheric conditions. By advancing satellite technology, the MTG-S contributes to **more accurate weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and environmental research**, ultimately improving public safety and economic resilience.

## Notable For
- **Advanced infrared sounding systems** for enhanced weather monitoring.
- **Geostationary orbit** providing continuous coverage over Europe and Africa.
- **SmallGEO spacecraft bus** for efficient satellite operations.
- **Collaborative manufacturing** by **Thales Alenia Space** and **OHB System AG**.
- **Part of the third-generation Meteosat series**, offering improved capabilities over previous models.

## Body
### Overview
The **Meteosat Third Generation - Sounder (MTG-S)** is a **spacecraft model** within the **Meteosat Third Generation** series, operated by **EUMETSAT**. It is designed to feature **infrared sounding systems** for advanced weather monitoring.

### Technical Specifications
- **Power Source**: **Spacecraft solar array** (2 units).
- **Orbit**: **Geostationary orbit**.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: **SmallGEO**.
- **Manufacturers**:
  - **Thales Alenia Space** (general contractor).
  - **OHB System AG** (spacecraft bus).

### Related Spacecraft
- **Meteosat 13** and **Meteosat 16** are part of the MTG-S fleet.

### Classification
- **Instance of**: Spacecraft model.
- **Subclass of**: Meteosat Third Generation.

### Operational Context
- **Operator**: **EUMETSAT**.
- **Primary Function**: **Infrared sounding** for weather analysis.

### Image
- **Reference Image**: [Meteosat Third Generation ESA418057 (MTG-S cropped)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Meteosat_Third_Generation_ESA418057_(MTG-S_cropped).jpg).

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/mtg-s.htm)