# RapidEye 1

> decommissioned Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111496953](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111496953)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rapideye-1

## Summary
RapidEye 1 was a decommissioned German Earth observation satellite and the first spacecraft in the RapidEye constellation, launched in 2008 to capture high-resolution multispectral imagery before retirement in 2020.

## Key Facts
- Launched on August 29, 2008, at 07:15:58 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 109 using a Dnepr launch vehicle.
- Mass was 150 kg at launch, classified as an Earth observation satellite.
- Part of the five-satellite RapidEye constellation operated by RapidEye AG (2008-2013), BlackBridge (2013-2015), and Planet Labs (2015-2020).
- Also known as "Tachys" with COSPAR/NSSDCA identifier 2008-040C.
- Manufactured by MDA Space (general contractor), Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL-150 bus), and Jena-Optronik (payload).
- Orbited in Sun-synchronous orbit until retirement in March 2020.

## FAQs
### Q: When was RapidEye 1 operational?
A: RapidEye 1 operated from its launch in 2008 until retirement in March 2020, spanning nearly 12 years of Earth observation missions.

### Q: What was the satellite's primary function?
A: It captured high-resolution multispectral imagery for commercial use in sectors like agriculture, forestry, and environmental monitoring.

### Q: Who built RapidEye 1?
A: The satellite was developed by a multinational consortium: MDA Space (general contractor), Surrey Satellite Technology (spacecraft bus), and Jena-Optronik (payload), with Canadian origins for the bus system.

### Q: How did RapidEye 1 compare to other Earth observation satellites?
A: It was part of the first European-owned high-resolution constellation, offering frequent global revisit times through its five-satellite network, unlike single-satellite predecessors.

### Q: What happened to RapidEye 1 after decommissioning?
A: It was retired along with the entire RapidEye constellation in March 2020 when Planet Labs ended operations of the system.

## Why It Matters
RapidEye 1 pioneered daily revisit Earth observation capabilities, enabling unprecedented access to consistent multispectral data. Its constellation transformed industries by providing frequent, high-resolution imagery for precision agriculture, environmental tracking, and disaster response. The satellite's 12-year operational lifespan demonstrated the viability of commercial Earth observation constellations, directly influencing modern satellite network design and accessibility for data-driven global applications.

## Notable For
- Serving as the inaugural satellite of the first European-owned high-resolution Earth observation constellation.
- Operating for 12 years despite originally designed for shorter missions, showcasing robust satellite endurance.
- Featuring multinational manufacturing (Canadian bus, German payload, general contractor MDA Space).
- Enabling global daily imaging coverage through its five-satellite network configuration.
- Transitioning ownership between three companies (RapidEye AG, BlackBridge, Planet Labs) during its operational lifetime.

## Body
### Overview
RapidEye 1 was a decommissioned Earth observation satellite and the lead spacecraft of the five-satellite RapidEye constellation. It was designed to capture high-resolution multispectral imagery for commercial and governmental applications.

### Launch and Orbit
- Launched on August 29, 2008, at 07:15:58 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 109.
- Deployed into Sun-synchronous orbit by a Dnepr launch vehicle (converted Satan ICBM).
- Maintained consistent lighting conditions for Earth imagery collection throughout its mission.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 150 kg (launch weight)
- **Spacecraft Bus**: SSTL-150 by Surrey Satellite Technology
- **Payload**: Multispectral imaging sensor by Jena-Optronik
- **Design**: Modular construction with separate bus and payload components
- **Coverage**: Multispectral bands optimized for vegetation and environmental analysis

### Ownership Timeline
- **RapidEye AG** (2008-2013): German operator during initial deployment
- **BlackBridge** (2013-2015): Canadian-acquired operator
- **Planet Labs** (2015-2020): U.S.-based operator that decommissioned the constellation

### Decommissioning
- Officially retired in March 2020 alongside the entire RapidEye constellation
- Retirement marked the end of 12 years of Earth observation data collection
- Last operation confirmed by Planet Labs in 2020, citing fleet optimization priorities

### Heritage
Part of the RapidEye constellation (inception 2009) representing Germany's entry into high-resolution commercial Earth observation. Successor satellites (RapidEye 2-5) followed in 2009, completing the five-satellite network for daily global imaging.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/rapideye-1.htm)
2. [Source](https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/rapideye)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](https://www.planet.com/pulse/rapideye-constellation-to-be-retired-in-2020/)
5. [Source](https://www.planet.com/pulse/historic-rapideye-constellation-captures-last-light/)