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Europe's latest weather satellite produces first image of Earth

"The first image is a joint achievement by ESA, EUMETSAT, and the European space industry," officials said.

By Brooks Hays
Europe’s newest weather satellite delivers first image of Earth. Photo by ESA/EUMETSAT
Europe’s newest weather satellite delivers first image of Earth. Photo by ESA/EUMETSAT

PARIS, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- The latest geostationary weather satellite launched by the European Space Agency, MSG-4, has beamed back its first image of Earth.

The satellite was launched by Europe's weather satellite agency, EUMETSAT, which works closely with the European Space Agency. The inaugural image of Earth was captured by MSG-4's Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) instrument.

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"The first image is a joint achievement by ESA, EUMETSAT, and the European space industry," officials said in a press release.

The satellite was launched in mid-July. Its initial operations were handled by ESA engineers, but the reigns of MSG-4 were handed over to EUMETSAT on July 26.

While the satellite has produced an impressive image of Earth, it's not yet ready for full-time duties. Its life as a full-duty weather satellite won't be begin for another few months, after the completion of its six-month commissioning phase.

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