# RapidEye 2

> decommissioned Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111496951](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111496951)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rapideye-2

## Summary
RapidEye 2 was a decommissioned Earth observation satellite launched in 2008 as part of the RapidEye constellation. It was designed to capture high-resolution imagery of Earth from a sun-synchronous orbit, contributing to environmental monitoring and commercial applications before being retired in 2020.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Earth observation satellite
- **Launch date**: August 29, 2008, at 07:15:58 UTC
- **Launch site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 109
- **Launch vehicle**: Dnepr (converted ICBM)
- **Mass**: 150 kg (launch weight)
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous
- **Manufacturer**: MDA Space (general contractor), Surrey Satellite Technology (spacecraft bus), Jena-Optronik (payload)
- **Operators**: RapidEye AG (2008–2013), BlackBridge (2013–2015), Planet Labs (2015–2020)
- **Decommissioned**: March 2020
- **Country of origin**: Canada
- **Part of**: RapidEye constellation (operated by Planet Labs)

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of RapidEye 2?
A: RapidEye 2 was an Earth observation satellite designed to capture high-resolution imagery for environmental monitoring, agriculture, and commercial applications. It was part of a constellation of five satellites launched between 2008 and 2010.

### Q: Who operated RapidEye 2?
A: RapidEye 2 was operated by RapidEye AG from 2008 to 2013, then by BlackBridge from 2013 to 2015, and finally by Planet Labs from 2015 until its retirement in 2020.

### Q: How was RapidEye 2 launched?
A: RapidEye 2 was launched on August 29, 2008, aboard a Dnepr rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 109. The Dnepr was a converted intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) used as a satellite launch vehicle.

### Q: What was the orbit of RapidEye 2?
A: RapidEye 2 operated in a sun-synchronous orbit, allowing it to capture consistent imagery of Earth’s surface at the same local time each day, which is ideal for environmental monitoring and agricultural applications.

### Q: When was RapidEye 2 decommissioned?
A: RapidEye 2 was decommissioned in March 2020, marking the end of its operational life as part of the RapidEye constellation.

## Why It Matters
RapidEye 2 played a significant role in Earth observation, providing high-resolution imagery for environmental monitoring, agriculture, and commercial applications. As part of the RapidEye constellation, it contributed to global monitoring efforts, including tracking deforestation, urban development, and agricultural productivity. The constellation’s data supported various industries, including agriculture, forestry, and disaster response. The retirement of RapidEye 2 in 2020 marked the end of an era for this satellite system, which had been operational since 2008. Its legacy continues to influence modern Earth observation technologies and satellite constellations.

## Notable For
- **Constellation member**: One of five satellites in the RapidEye constellation, providing comprehensive Earth coverage.
- **High-resolution imagery**: Captured detailed images for environmental and commercial applications.
- **Sun-synchronous orbit**: Enabled consistent, high-quality imagery for monitoring Earth’s surface.
- **Multi-operator history**: Operated by RapidEye AG, BlackBridge, and Planet Labs, reflecting the evolving commercial space industry.
- **Decommissioning in 2020**: Marked the end of an era for the RapidEye constellation, which had been operational since 2008.

## Body
### Overview
RapidEye 2 was an Earth observation satellite launched on August 29, 2008, as part of the RapidEye constellation. It was designed to capture high-resolution imagery of Earth from a sun-synchronous orbit, contributing to environmental monitoring, agriculture, and commercial applications. The satellite was decommissioned in March 2020, marking the end of its operational life.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 150 kg (launch weight)
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous
- **Launch vehicle**: Dnepr (converted ICBM)
- **Manufacturer**: MDA Space (general contractor), Surrey Satellite Technology (spacecraft bus), Jena-Optronik (payload)
- **Country of origin**: Canada

### Operational History
- **Launch**: August 29, 2008, from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 109
- **Operators**:
  - RapidEye AG (2008–2013)
  - BlackBridge (2013–2015)
  - Planet Labs (2015–2020)
- **Decommissioning**: March 2020

### Significance
RapidEye 2 was part of a constellation of five satellites launched between 2008 and 2010, providing comprehensive Earth observation capabilities. The constellation’s data supported various industries, including agriculture, forestry, and disaster response. The retirement of RapidEye 2 in 2020 marked the end of an era for this satellite system, which had been operational for over a decade. Its legacy continues to influence modern Earth observation technologies and satellite constellations.

## 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/)