Europe’s latest geostationary weather satellite – MSG-4 – delivers first image of Earth

Following the successful launch of Europe's latest Meteosat Second Generation weather satellite, MSG-4, on July 15, 2015, the new satellite has captured and delivered its first image of Earth today. 

After the satellite was moved into geostationary orbit, the various components which make up the its platform were activated and their functionality was checked. This included a number of critical maneuvers like the firing of the apogee motors, the change of spacecraft orientation and the unlocking of the SEVIRI (Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager) scan mirror.

EUMETSAT took control of the satellite on July 26 and will now begin commissioning the satellite and its sensors. Commissioning consists of a two-month phase of satellite check-out and assessment, followed by four-months for imaging and product testing, including calibration and validation. After commissioning, MSG-4 will be stored in orbit.

Featured image credit: EUMETSAT.