The Spinning Enhanced Visible and InfraRed Imager (SEVIRI) instrument measures in 12 spectral channels (compared to only 3 on the previous Meteosat) and records data in a 15 minute cycle (30 minutes on the previous Meteosat). The resolution of the high-resolution visible light channel measures 1 km at the sub-satellite point (compared to 2.5 km on the previous Meteosat).

The first Meteosat Second Generation satellite, MSG-1, came into operational service on 29th January 2004 and was renamed Meteosat-8. MSG-1 has a nominal lifetime of seven years.