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Ariane 6 Launches MTG-I2 Weather Satellite to Orbit

8/28/2026

34 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Arianespace Launches

Arianespace launched the MTG-I2 weather satellite from Kourou on August 27, 2026.
MTG-I2 captures images of Europe and North Africa every two and a half minutes.
EUMETSAT’s rapid-scan service delivers these images to forecasters, improving warnings for storms, hail, winds and flash floods.
The satellite also monitors wildfire hotspots and volcanic ash clouds, aiding faster disaster response.

Summary

Ariane 6 Outperforms

Ariane 6 lifted 12.7 tons to GTO, exceeding SpaceX Falcon 9’s 9.15-ton capacity.
The August 27 launch marked Ariane 6’s ninth flight.
It delivered the 8,400-pound MTG-I2 satellite to geostationary orbit.
The MTG-I2 satellite joined the Meteosat Third Generation constellation.
ESA manages Ariane 6 development to ensure autonomous European space access.

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Arianespace Launches

Arianespace launched the MTG-I2 weather satellite from Kourou on August 27, 2026.
MTG-I2 captures images of Europe and North Africa every two and a half minutes.
EUMETSAT’s rapid-scan service delivers these images to forecasters, improving warnings for storms, hail, winds and flash floods.
The satellite also monitors wildfire hotspots and volcanic ash clouds, aiding faster disaster response.

1 / 2