Beyond Gravity supplies core technologies for Meteosat satellite
The second Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) satellite launched on July 1, strengthening Europe’s next-generation weather observation capability. The MTG Sounder-1 satellite was built by OHB System AG and carries critical subsystems from Beyond Gravity, including the central computer, camera cover, and key thermal and optical components.
For eeNews Europe readers focused on embedded systems, aerospace integration, or climate monitoring technologies, this launch may offer insights into advanced satellite subsystems and design approaches.
Satellite Control, Protection, and Optical Stability
Beyond Gravity supplied the “brain” of the MTG-S1 satellite — a central computer developed at its Gothenburg, Sweden site. “The computer’s main task is to control and, if necessary, correct the satellite’s position with the aid of numerous control and measurement systems,” said Oliver Grassmann, Executive Vice President Satellites at Beyond Gravity. The company also delivered the Data Distribution Unit for Ka-band data downlink, along with S-band antennas for telemetry and telecommand.
Beyond Gravity produced a high-tech camera cover for Meteosat Third Generation. Copyright: Beyond Gravity, Anna Rauchenberger.
The satellite is shielded from extreme space temperatures by a multilayer thermal insulation system, produced in Berndorf, Austria. “Only this multilayer insulation can keep the interior of the satellites at a uniform temperature level, and thus guarantee the smooth functioning of the instruments on board,” explained Dominik Inschlag, Director Marketing & Sales for Thermal and Mechanisms.
Additional mechanical systems from Zurich and Vienna ensure precise solar array positioning and optical realignment. These mechanisms help maintain power efficiency and optical clarity after the physical stress of launch.
Sentinel-4 Scanner and Air Quality Monitoring
MTG-S1 also carries the Sentinel-4 instrument, part of the EU’s Copernicus programme, to deliver hourly data on air pollution across Europe. Beyond Gravity developed the scanner subsystem at its Zurich site, enabling the high-resolution UV and NIR sounder to scan the Earth’s atmosphere from geostationary orbit.
The weather satellite Meteosat Third Generation is controlled by a computer and protected by thermal insulation from Beyond Gravity. Copyright: ESA/Mlabspace.
Unlike sensors in low Earth orbit, Sentinel-4 requires a dedicated mechanical scanner to capture image data. Beyond Gravity’s system provides east-west scanning over 19 degrees and a secondary 14-degree motion axis for latitude adjustments and platform yaw flips.
The scanner was delivered to OHB for integration before being passed to Airbus Defence & Space.
Expanding the MTG Fleet
The MTG program will eventually include six satellites: four imagers and two sounders. They will operate from geostationary orbit, 36,000 km above Earth. ESA and Eumetsat jointly manage the program, with ESA overseeing development and Eumetsat handling operations.
“Our computer controls the satellite, our thermal insulation protects it from cold and heat in space and various mechanisms from us guarantee a smooth operation of the satellite,” said Grassmann. “This new satellite, for example, will allow to save valuable time in providing warnings ahead of heavy rainfall.”
For full specifications and program details, visit: https://www.eumetsat.int/meteosat-third-generation
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