[Satellite TODAY 03-23-10] Thales Alenia Space has entered into exclusive negotiations with the European Space Agency (ESA) over a contract to build Eumetsat’s Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) satellites, Thales Alenia Space announced March 22.
    In January, Thales Alenia Space submitted a proposal in conjunction with German manufacturer OHB that satisfied all criteria set by ESA. The Meteosat Third Generation program comprises six satellites — four imaging satellites and two with atmospheric sounders. The imaging satellites will deliver an image every 10 minutes and operate in 16 bandwidths.
    “We are very proud of being chosen to meet the challenge of building the most ambitious geostationary satellites ever developed in Europe,” Thales Alenia Space CEO Reynald Seznec said in a statement.
    Financial details of the contract award were not disclosed.