Contract signed for construction of fourth European meteorological satellite

Brussels, 04 Nov 2004

A contract for a fourth Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) spacecraft has been signed, ensuring that Europe will have access to data for weather forecasting and on the climate and environment for many years into the future.

The agreement was signed by the European Space Agency (ESA), EUMETSAT, which will finance, launch and operate the satellite and Alcatel Space, which is the prime contractor for MSG-4. ESA will manage the satellite construction contract with industry. The contract is worth 135 million euro, and will conclude with the delivery of the satellite in 2007.

'This is another excellent example of ESA's commitment to utilitarian activities, developing space systems to support public services for the benefit of citizens in Europe and other parts of the world,' said ESA Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain.

The first Meteosat satellite was launched by ESA in 1977. The system of satellites supplies continuous images and data on weather and the environment and are seen daily across Europe in television weather reports.

For further information, please visit:
http:///www.esa.int/export/esaEO/SEMLFM2V QUD_index_0_m.html

CORDIS RTD-NEWS / © European Communities
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