# RapidEye 5

> decommissioned Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111496952](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111496952)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rapideye-5

## Summary
RapidEye 5 was a decommissioned Earth observation satellite, part of the RapidEye constellation operated by Planet Labs. Launched in 2008, it was designed to capture high-resolution imagery of Earth from a sun-synchronous orbit. The constellation was retired in 2020 after providing valuable data for environmental monitoring, agriculture, and urban planning.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Earth observation satellite
- **Launch date**: August 29, 2008, at 07:15:58 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 109
- **Launch vehicle**: Dnepr rocket
- **Mass**: 150 kilograms (launch weight)
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit
- **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
- **Part of**: RapidEye constellation (inception: 2009, Germany)
- **Country of origin**: Canada

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of RapidEye 5?
A: RapidEye 5 was an Earth observation satellite designed to capture high-resolution imagery for environmental monitoring, agriculture, and urban planning. It was part of a constellation of five satellites operated by Planet Labs.

### Q: How was RapidEye 5 launched?
A: RapidEye 5 was launched on August 29, 2008, aboard a Dnepr rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 109. The constellation was deployed in a sun-synchronous orbit.

### Q: Who operated RapidEye 5?
A: RapidEye 5 was operated by RapidEye AG from 2008 to 2013, BlackBridge from 2013 to 2015, and Planet Labs from 2015 until its retirement in 2020.

### Q: What was the lifespan of RapidEye 5?
A: RapidEye 5 was operational from its launch in 2008 until its retirement in March 2020, contributing to environmental and agricultural data collection.

### Q: What was the significance of the RapidEye constellation?
A: The RapidEye constellation provided high-resolution imagery for applications like land use monitoring, disaster response, and agricultural analysis, supporting decision-making in various industries.

## Why It Matters
RapidEye 5 played a crucial role in Earth observation, providing high-resolution imagery for environmental monitoring, agriculture, and urban planning. The constellation, which included RapidEye 5, was a key source of data for tracking changes in land use, supporting disaster response, and aiding in agricultural practices. Its decommissioning in 2020 marked the end of an era in commercial Earth observation, though its legacy continues to influence modern satellite imagery and data analysis.

## Notable For
- **High-resolution imagery**: Captured detailed Earth observations for environmental and agricultural applications.
- **Constellation deployment**: Part of the first commercial constellation of Earth observation satellites, providing comprehensive coverage.
- **Operational longevity**: Operated for over a decade, contributing to long-term environmental monitoring.
- **Technological innovation**: Utilized advanced imaging technology for precise Earth observation.
- **Data legacy**: Provided valuable data that informed decision-making in various industries.

## Body
### Overview
RapidEye 5 was a decommissioned Earth observation satellite, part of the RapidEye constellation, which was launched in 2008. The constellation was designed to capture high-resolution imagery of Earth, supporting applications in environmental monitoring, agriculture, and urban planning.

### Launch and Deployment
RapidEye 5 was launched on August 29, 2008, aboard a Dnepr rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 109. The constellation was deployed in a sun-synchronous orbit, allowing for consistent and high-quality imagery collection.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 150 kilograms (launch weight)
- **Manufacturer**: MDA Space (general contractor), Surrey Satellite Technology (spacecraft bus), Jena-Optronik (payload)
- **Spacecraft bus**: SSTL-150
- **Country of origin**: Canada

### Operational History
- **Operators**: RapidEye AG (2008–2013), BlackBridge (2013–2015), Planet Labs (2015–2020)
- **Decommissioned**: March 2020

### Significance
The RapidEye constellation provided high-resolution imagery for environmental monitoring, agriculture, and urban planning. Its data supported decision-making in various industries, including disaster response and agricultural analysis. The constellation was retired in 2020, marking the end of an era in commercial Earth observation.

## 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/)