On 23 November 1999, the first flight model of Europe’s Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellite will be on display at the
Cannes facility of Alcatel Space, the Prime Contractor.

MSG is the new geostationary meteorological satellite system and is the result of close cooperation between the European Space
Agency (ESA) and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT). The launch of
MSG-1 is scheduled for the end of 2000 on an Ariane launcher.

The satellite’s main feature is the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI). Its 12 different spectral channels will
provide 20 times more information than the current Meteosat, offering new and, in some cases, unique capabilities in cloud imaging
and tracking, fog detection, measurement of the earth surface and cloud top temperatures, tracking ozone patterns, as well as
many other improved performances. A new weather image will be provided every 15 minutes instead of every 30 minutes, as at
present. The data circulation system will also be improved by allowing much higher data rates both for transmission (3.2 Mbps) and
dissemination (1 Mbps). This, together with the enhanced imagery, will result in a dramatic increase in capabilities for monitoring
weather patterns over the Atlantic Ocean, Europe and Africa and for the prediction and warning of severe storms and other
potentially hazardous phenomena.

The viewing of MSG-1 will follow a press conference organised jointly by ESA, EUMETSAT, and Alcatel Space (invitation and
programme attached) during which high-level representatives from the three organisations will present a comprehensive picture of
the satellite, including its development, benefits, user requirements, and operations. A brief overview of EUMETSAT’s new role in
climate monitoring, supported by the GERB instrument carried on MSG, will also be given.

The presentation will conclude with a short video showing the main satellite tests.

Representatives of the media are invited to complete and return the attached form to Alcatel Space, as indicated.