1. MSG-2 launch preparations E. Oriol-Pibernat MSG Mission Manager GIST, IC, 14-16 December 2005

2. EOP/S2 Some history about the MSG-2 launch Following a successful FAR (Flight Acceptance Review) and RSR (Readiness to Shipment Review), the MSG-2 was shipped to Kourou on 21 st June 2005. Pre-launch activities started in view of a foreseen launch in 23 rd August. In June, Arianespace announced that the launch would be delayed. At this point, the satellite was stored in Kourou.

3. EOP/S3 Some history about the MSG-2 launch De-storage was resumed on 31 st October 2005. The launch campaign activities were back to nominal schedule on 10 th November. The Spacecraft Readiness Review on 24 November gave green light to transfer to the S5-A building Arianespace announced the new launch date on 21 st November 2005.

4. EOP/S4 Launch details The MSG-2 will be launched from Kourou on Wednesday 21 st December 2005. Launch window: opens 23:33, closes 00:01 (French time) Co-passenger Indian Satellite from ISRO.

5. EOP/S5 A few pictures

6. EOP/S6 The MSG-2 will be re-named Meteosat-9 after launch. Once commissioned, it will become the operational satellite, with Meteosat-8 as back-up. See: http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/MSG/index.html http://www.eumetsat.int/msg2/index.html Further info

7. EOP/S7 Third MSG RAO Workshop –The last MSG RAO Workshop will take place at Helsinki on 15 th June 2006. It is organized at same place and week than the EUMETSAT Users Conference. –Details of registration will be announced in January 2006.