# PerúSat 1

> Peruvian military Earth observing satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q26899009](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q26899009)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/perusat-1

## Summary
PerúSat 1 is a military Earth observation satellite operated by the Peruvian Armed Forces. Launched in 2016, it was built by Airbus Defence and Space and is designed to support national defense and security through remote sensing capabilities.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Military satellite and Earth observation satellite
- **Operator**: Peruvian Armed Forces
- **Launch Date**: September 16, 2016, at 01:43:35 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Vega (Flight VV07)
- **Launch Site**: Ensemble de Lancement Vega (French Guiana)
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit
- **Manufacturer**: Airbus Defence and Space
- **Spacecraft Bus**: S450 Optical
- **Mass**: 430 kg (launch weight)
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 arrays)
- **Design Life**: 10 years
- **Aliases**: Perú Sat 1, Perú Recon
- **COSPAR ID**: 2016-058A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2016-058A

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of PerúSat 1?
A: PerúSat 1 is a military Earth observation satellite designed to support the Peruvian Armed Forces with remote sensing capabilities for national defense and security.

### Q: Who operates PerúSat 1?
A: PerúSat 1 is operated by the Peruvian Armed Forces, with Airbus Defence and Space serving as the manufacturer.

### Q: What type of orbit does PerúSat 1 use?
A: PerúSat 1 operates in a sun-synchronous orbit, which is commonly used for Earth observation satellites to ensure consistent lighting conditions for imaging.

### Q: How long was PerúSat 1 expected to operate?
A: PerúSat 1 was designed with a 10-year operational life, though its actual service duration may vary.

### Q: What launch vehicle was used to deploy PerúSat 1?
A: PerúSat 1 was launched aboard the Vega rocket (Flight VV07) from the Ensemble de Lancement Vega in French Guiana.

## Why It Matters
PerúSat 1 plays a crucial role in Peru’s defense capabilities by providing high-resolution Earth observation data. As a military satellite, it supports intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, enhancing Peru’s ability to monitor its borders, assess environmental changes, and respond to security threats. The satellite’s sun-synchronous orbit ensures consistent imaging conditions, making it valuable for both military and civilian applications. By leveraging advanced remote sensing technology, PerúSat 1 strengthens Peru’s national security infrastructure and contributes to its broader strategic objectives.

## Notable For
- **First Peruvian Military Satellite**: PerúSat 1 was the first dedicated military satellite operated by Peru, marking a significant milestone in the country’s space capabilities.
- **Airbus S450 Optical Bus**: The satellite utilizes Airbus’ S450 Optical spacecraft bus, which is optimized for Earth observation missions.
- **Vega Launch**: PerúSat 1 was launched on the Vega rocket, a European expendable launch vehicle known for its reliability and versatility in deploying small satellites.
- **Sun-Synchronous Orbit**: The satellite’s orbit ensures consistent imaging conditions, crucial for military and environmental monitoring.
- **National Security Support**: PerúSat 1 provides critical data for Peru’s defense forces, aiding in border monitoring, disaster response, and strategic planning.

## Body
### Overview
PerúSat 1 is a military Earth observation satellite developed and operated by the Peruvian Armed Forces. Launched on September 16, 2016, it was built by Airbus Defence and Space and deployed into a sun-synchronous orbit using the Vega rocket (Flight VV07). The satellite is part of Peru’s efforts to enhance its national security through space-based remote sensing.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 430 kg (launch weight)
- **Power**: Equipped with two spacecraft solar arrays for energy generation
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit, providing consistent imaging conditions
- **Design Life**: 10 years (design life)
- **Spacecraft Bus**: S450 Optical, a platform optimized for Earth observation missions

### Mission and Operations
- **Primary Mission**: Support military and national defense objectives through high-resolution Earth imaging
- **Operator**: Peruvian Armed Forces, responsible for satellite operations and data utilization
- **Data Applications**: Used for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and environmental monitoring

### Historical Context
- **First Peruvian Military Satellite**: PerúSat 1 represents a significant advancement in Peru’s space program, establishing a dedicated military satellite capability
- **Launch Details**: The satellite was launched from the Ensemble de Lancement Vega in French Guiana, marking a collaborative effort between Peru and European space agencies

### Significance
PerúSat 1 underscores Peru’s commitment to leveraging space technology for national security. By providing critical Earth observation data, the satellite supports Peru’s defense strategies and contributes to its broader strategic goals. The satellite’s success paves the way for future military and civilian space initiatives in Peru.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/perusat-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report