[Satellite TODAY 07-09-13] Astrium has signed a contract for the delivery of propulsion systems for six Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) weather satellites operated by EUMETSAT. Astrium will be responsible for the delivery of the complete sub-systems: from initial design, to construction and diagnostics, through to supply, integration, and testing. The first complete unit is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2015.

 

    The MTG series will include four satellites (MTG I) equipped with imaging instrumentation, and two satellites (MTG S) with sounding instruments. ESA is developing two prototype MTG satellites (MTG I1 and MTG S1) based on EUMETSAT’s user and system specifications, and is coordinating the delivery of the subsequent satellites based on EUMETSAT’s requirements. The prime contractor for the MTG program is Thales Alenia in France, and OHB System AG was selected as a partner in the program for six satellite platforms as well as taking a lead role on both of the sounder satellites.