Each Meteosat satellite is expected to remain in orbit in an operable condition for at least seven years. The current policy is to keep two operable satellites in orbit and to launch a new satellite close to the date at which the elder of the two comes to the end of its on-board fuel. The actual launch date will, however, take into account a number of other factors, such as the current condition of both in-orbit satellites and the availability of launch partners. Once in orbit at an altitude of 36,000 km the satellite is totally inaccessible, but it takes only 20 minutes (and 400 tonnes of fuel) to reach this altitude.

The first satellite, MSG-1, was launched on 28 August 2002. The MSG system will be established in its complete 2-satellite configuration (one operational and the other one as a hot backup) after the successful commissioning of MSG-2. The launch of MSG-2 took place successfully on 21 December 2005. Approximately 7 years after the launch of MSG-1, it is planned that MSG-3 will be launched.

After the end of the MSG programme, there will be a follow-on Meteosat Third Generation in geostationary orbit.

MSG Launch Schedule:

• MSG-1: 28 August 2002
• MSG-2: 21 December 2005
• MSG-3: 2009
• MSG-4: 2011