Intelsat's Galaxy 35 and Galaxy 36 satellites will operate in the upper portion of the C-band spectrum, a range of wireless radio frequencies used for critical telecommunications and data connectivity across the globe. With this mission, Intelsat will meet the accelerated C-band spectrum clearing timelines established by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

MTG (Meteosat Third Generation) is the follow-up system to the Meteosat MSG series of geostationary satellites.

The satellite system will consist of a twin configuration of 3-axis-stabilised satellites: the Imaging mission satellite (MTG-I) and the Sounding mission satellite (MTG-S).

The payload proposed for MTG-I consists of the Flexible Combined Imager (FCI), Lightning Imager (LI), Data Collection System (DCS), and search and rescue (GEOSAR).

The FCI is expected to outperform MSG Spinning and Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) observations on clouds, aerosol, moisture, and fire by adding new channels in the solar domain and by improving temporal, spatial, and radiometric resolution. For instance, the FCI in its High-Resolution Fast Imagery mode focusing on Europe/North Africa with a resolution down to 500 meters and a repeat cycle of 2.5 minutes will produce the greatest benefits to Nowcasting services.