Located approx 36 000 kilometers above the ground from their orbital position directly above Guinean Gulf on zero longitude, Meteosat-12 provides a critically important image of Europe, Africa and surrounding oceans. It offers more often update data with a clearer resolution and implements new opportunities, such as continuous lightning detection, which increases the accuracy and reliability of weather forecasts throughout the region.
Neglected 13 December 2022 year, Meteosat-12 performs a full disk scan every 10 minutes and equipped with two advanced devices: flexible combined thermal imager (FCI) and lightning generator (LI). FCI provides images with twice as many spectral channels and better spatial resolution compared to its predecessor, which significantly improves the detection of rapidly changing weather phenomena. LI, the first geostationary lightning detection device in Europe, tracks lightning activity day and night across Europe and Africa.
The broader MTG program includes four imaging satellites and two probes. Launching the first probe, MTG-S1, that is planned for the summer 2025 year, will become the first European satellite, which will provide vertical profiles of atmospheric temperature and humidity from geostationary orbit. These additions will greatly improve short-term weather forecasting, allowing storms to be tracked.
In addition to Meteosat-12, other satellites of the constellation continue to support operations. Meteosat-10 acts as a backup satellite, while Meteosat-11 performs a five-minute rapid scan of Europe and North Africa. Meteosat-9, which is placed over the Indian Ocean, provides vital data to regions, prone to cyclones.
Source: https://www.spacedaily.com