# Azersky

> Azerbaijani Earth observation satellite (2014-2023)

**Wikidata**: [Q16599321](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16599321)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azersky)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/azersky

## Summary
Azersky was an Azerbaijani Earth observation satellite launched in 2014 and decommissioned in 2023. It was originally part of the French SPOT satellite series before being sold to Azerbaijan and renamed Azersky. The satellite was designed for high-resolution imaging and operated in a sun-synchronous orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Earth observation satellite
- **Launch date**: June 30, 2014
- **Launch vehicle**: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C23)
- **Launch site**: Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad
- **Mass**: 712 kg (launch weight)
- **Operators**: Airbus DS Geo (2014–2014), Azercosmos (2014–2023)
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit
- **Design life**: 10 years
- **Actual service life**: 8.7 years
- **Decommissioned**: 2023
- **Predecessor**: SPOT-6
- **Part of**: SPOT satellite series
- **Country of origin**: France
- **Aliases**: SPOT-7, SPOT 7

## FAQs
### Q: What was Azersky used for?
A: Azersky was an Earth observation satellite designed for high-resolution imaging, primarily used for environmental monitoring, agriculture, and urban planning.

### Q: Who operated Azersky?
A: Azersky was initially operated by Airbus DS Geo before being transferred to Azercosmos, the Azerbaijani space agency, in 2014.

### Q: Why was Azersky decommissioned?
A: Azersky was decommissioned in 2023 due to a failure in its communication system, though the exact cause was not publicly disclosed.

### Q: What was unique about Azersky?
A: Azersky was the first SPOT satellite sold to a non-European country, marking a significant shift in the commercialization of French space technology.

### Q: What happened to Azersky after its decommissioning?
A: Following its decommissioning, Azerbaijan reportedly selected Israel's IAI to build a successor satellite for a reported $120 million.

## Why It Matters
Azersky played a crucial role in Azerbaijan's space program by providing high-resolution Earth imaging capabilities. As the first SPOT satellite sold to a non-European nation, it demonstrated the commercial viability of French space technology beyond its traditional markets. The satellite's decommissioning highlighted the challenges of maintaining satellite operations, including communication system failures. Its legacy also influenced Azerbaijan's decision to seek alternative satellite solutions, underscoring the evolving dynamics of the global space industry.

## Notable For
- First SPOT satellite sold to a non-European country
- Provided high-resolution imaging for environmental and agricultural monitoring
- Operated in a sun-synchronous orbit for consistent imaging
- Decommissioned due to a communication system failure in 2023
- Served as a precursor to Azerbaijan's decision to invest in Israeli satellite technology

## Body
### Overview
Azersky was an Earth observation satellite launched on June 30, 2014, aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C23) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in India. Originally part of the French SPOT series, it was renamed Azersky after being sold to Azerbaijan in 2014. The satellite was designed for high-resolution imaging, supporting applications in environmental monitoring, agriculture, and urban planning.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 712 kg at launch
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit
- **Design life**: 10 years
- **Actual service life**: 8.7 years
- **Power source**: Spacecraft solar array with three panels
- **Spacecraft bus**: AstroSat-500 Mk. 2

### Operational History
- **Launch**: June 30, 2014, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre
- **Operators**: Airbus DS Geo (2014–2014), Azercosmos (2014–2023)
- **Decommissioning**: 2023, due to a communication system failure
- **Successor**: Azerbaijan selected Israel's IAI to build a new satellite for $120 million

### Significance
Azersky's decommissioning in 2023 marked a notable event in the satellite industry, with reports suggesting it was lost due to a communication system failure. The incident prompted Azerbaijan to seek alternative satellite solutions, reflecting the broader trends in the commercial space sector. The satellite's legacy also highlighted the strategic importance of Earth observation in national security and economic development.

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## References

1. [Source](https://spacenews.com/42840airbus-sells-in-orbit-spot-7-imaging-satellite-to-azerbaijan/)
2. [Source](http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/osoindex/data/documents/fr/st/stsgser.e797.html)
3. [Source](http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/osoindex/data/documents/az/a/aac.105inf428.html)
4. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/spot-6.htm)
5. Jonathan's Space Report
6. [Source](https://www.intelligenceonline.fr/asie-pacifique/2025/06/12/la-mysterieuse-perte-d-un-satellite-d-airbus-vendu-a-l-azerbaidjan,110464398-eve)
7. [Azerbaijan acknowledges Azersky/Spot-7 loss, appears to have selected Israel's IAI for 2-satellite, $120M successor. 2023](https://www.spaceintelreport.com/azerbaijan-acknowledges-azersky-spot-7-loss-appears-to-have-selected-israels-iai-for-2-satellite-120m-successor/)
8. [Mystery satellite failures confirmed: communications lost with former SPOT 7 imaging satellite Azersky while Inmarsat 4F-1 has temporary outage. 2023](https://www.seradata.com/mystery-satellite-failures-confirmed-communications-is-lost-with-former-spot-7-earth-imaging-satellite-azersky-while-inmarsat-4f-1-has-power-related-temporary-outage/)
9. [Source](https://www.azernews.az/nation/208922.html)