MTG-I2, the third Meteosat Third Generation satellite from EUMETSAT and ESA, lifted off on 27 August at 20:10 UTC from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana, aboard an Arianespace Ariane 6 launcher. About 25 minutes after launch, Telespazio's Fucino Space Centre, a Leonardo Group subsidiary, together with the station at the Lario Space Centre in Como, the Swiss station at Leuk operated by partner Signalhorn, the Cheia station in Romania run by subsidiary Rartel, and EUMETSAT headquarters in Darmstadt, acquired the satellite's first signal, officially marking the start of the LEOP (Launch and Early Orbit Phase). Radio contact will be ensured throughout the ascent by a global network of antennas. Eleven minutes after the first signal, MTG-I2 separated from the launcher and automatically began activation operations, including deploying its solar panels and charging its batteries.
Telespazio together with EUMETSAT, ESA and industry partners Thales Alenia Space and OHB are now managing LEOP over twelve critical days with around forty technicians working around the clock across three teams: the Satellite Control Team monitors telemetry and commands at Fucino, while the Flight Dynamics and Ground Station Network teams handle orbital manoeuvre calculations and ground antenna coordination. Through four engine burns, the joint Telespazio-EUMETSAT-ESA-Industry LEOP team is guiding MTG-I2 from its initial elliptical orbit to its final geostationary orbit at 36,000 km, demonstrating the operational readiness and precision that has made Telespazio the trusted partner for Europe's most demanding space missions.[TD2]
MTG‑I2 is equipped with the Flexible Combined Imager (FCI) and the Lightning Imager (LI), advanced instruments engineered to capture high‑resolution observations of clouds, atmospheric dynamics, and Earth’s surface in unprecedented detail.
Beyond weather forecasting, MTG‑I2 will contribute to Europe’s broader climate and environmental monitoring mission, supporting fire and flood management, air‑quality assessments, and long‑term climate trend analysis.
Telespazio Germany’s Contribution to MTG‑I2’s Success
Telespazio Germany is proud to have supported this mission, working closely with our customer EUMETSAT, partner teams, and the wider ground segment community to help ensure readiness for launch and a smooth transition into early operations and commissioning.
Our contribution has included:
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Supporting Mission Control System operational preparation, including database configuration, validation, testing, and end-to-end rehearsals with spacecraft simulators and ground stations
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Verifying critical operational capabilities such as telemetry reception and processing, command release and verification, time correlation, external interfaces, and mission data flows
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Preparing and maintaining operational procedures, automation products, system configurations, and contingency instructions required for launch and commissioning
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Providing real‑time support during launch and early operations, including system monitoring, troubleshooting, anomaly investigation, and coordination with EUMETSAT and partner teams
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Coordinating key interfaces and requirements across space and ground segment components to ensure seamless integration into the Meteosat ecosystem
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Contributing through quality assurance oversight, maintaining visibility on anomalies, product conformity, and quality-related risks
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Evolving and enhancing the PIQMICS toolset for MTG‑I2, building on the tools developed for MTG‑I1; and supporting the Instrument and Payload Control team during commissioning activities for FCI and LI, leveraging experience gained during MTG‑I1
The path from design to operations is complex and demanding. With MTG‑I2 now in orbit, Telespazio Germany’s continued focus on engineering excellence and operational readiness remains a key part of the broader mission effort.
We extend our sincere thanks to all colleagues and partners who have contributed to this milestone. Together, we are strengthening Europe’s resilience and deepening our understanding of a changing atmosphere.
