METEOSAT 12 (MTG I1)

METEOSAT 12 (MTG I1) is an active satellite operated by EUMETSAT (Eumetsat), launched on 2022-12-13 from Guiana Space Centre, Kourou. It orbits in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at altitudes between 35,772 km and 35,800 km with an inclination of 0.7°. It travels at approximately 11,070 km/h (3.07 km/s), completing one full orbit every ~24 hours (geosynchronous) — that’s roughly 1.00 orbits per day. It is part of the Weather constellation group. At geostationary altitude, there is no meaningful atmospheric drag — this object will remain in orbit indefinitely unless actively deorbited. Orbital Radar tracks METEOSAT 12 (MTG I1) in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.

METEOSAT 12 (MTG I1) occupies geostationary orbit at approximately 35,786 km above the equator, where its orbital period matches the Earth’s 24-hour rotation. From the ground, it appears to hover over a fixed point — ideal for broadcast television, weather monitoring and wideband communications. With an inclination of 0.7°, it traces a small figure-of-eight pattern relative to the equator rather than remaining perfectly stationary, which can indicate aging stationkeeping fuel or a deliberate inclined-orbit strategy. Within ±50 km of METEOSAT 12 (MTG I1)’s average altitude, there are currently 713 active payloads and 58 tracked debris or rocket body fragments — notable neighbours include ASTRA 1N, GOES 16, TDRS 13. Eumetsat operates approximately 10 active satellites in total, of which 4 share a similar altitude band with METEOSAT 12 (MTG I1).