Thales Alenia Space and German manufacturer OHB will build "the most ambitious geostationary satellites ever developed in Europe," said Reynald Seznec, chief executive of Thales Alenia Space.

The European Space Agency is in negotiations for six third-generation satellites -- four imaging satellites and two with atmospheric sounders -- at a cost of 1.5 billion euros (two billion dollars).

The new Meteosat Third Generation programme will feature imaging satellites that will deliver one image every 10 minutes and sounders to gage temperature and humidity with enhanced resolution.

The satellites are scheduled to be operational in late 2016.

Thales Alenia Space beat out Astrium, a subsidiary of European aerospace giant EADS, which was also in the running with its Galileo satellite.

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