Lightning Imager

Lightning Imager image

Overview

The Lightning Imager (LI) has been designed for the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) mission, dedicated to meteorogical and climate forecasts.


The instrument will detect lightning discharges (interclouds and clouds-to-ground), covering with continuous observation Europe, Africa and part of South America in every light condition.


The data will then be used for short term weather forecasting and to assess the influence of climate
change on the atmosphere. The MTG programme is funded by ESA and EUMETSAT and the first satellite
to operate the Lightning Imager is planned to be launched in 2017.


The Lightning Imager (LI) Instrument on board the ESA / EUMETSAT Meteosat Third Generation satellites
will allow the continuous detection, over almost the full Earth disc, of the lightning discharges taking place
“in clouds” or “between cloud and ground” with a resolution around 5 km (at sub-satellite point).

Specifications

Component Type
Special Payload
Form Factor
SmallSat
Vendor
Leonardo
Dry Mass
90.0 kg
Average Power
100.0 W
Heritage
Yes
Status
In Production
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