A major milestone has been reached for the #MWI programme: the MetOp-SG Satellite B1 Flight Acceptance Review (#FAR) has been successfully closed, marking the completion of a critical phase in the development of this essential flight instrument.
Following the FAR closure, European Space Agency and EUMETSAT have confirmed that the MetOp-SG Satellite B1 will be launched in Q4 2026, paving the way for MWI to enter service as a core element of the MetOp Second Generation system.
OHB Italia S.p.A. plays a central role in the programme, being fully responsible for the design, development and delivery of the Microwave Imager (MWI), which will fly on three #MetOpSG satellites. This responsibility spans the full instrument lifecycle, from engineering and verification through to flight readiness.
MetOp-SG is a joint #ESA–EUMETSAT programme that will deliver the most accurate operational weather forecasts ever achieved in Europe.
The MWI instrument, developed by OHB Italia S.p.A., is a conically scanning microwave radiometer providing measurements of precipitation, clouds, snow and sea ice, water vapour, temperature and surface imaging.
By mid-March, the MetOp-SG Satellite-B1, hosting the MWI instrument, will be fully qualified for flight and placed in storage ahead of shipment to Kourou, in preparation for launch on Ariane 62.
This achievement highlights OHB Italia’s contribution to Europe’s operational meteorology capabilities and the strength of the collaboration across the MetOp-SG partnership.
Photo Credits: Airbus SE
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