# SAR-Lupe 2

> German reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111497057](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111497057)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sar-lupe-2

## Summary
SAR-Lupe 2 is a German reconnaissance satellite launched in 2007 as part of the SAR-Lupe military satellite system. It was designed to covertly collect intelligence data for the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: July 2, 2007, at 19:38:41 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132.
- **Mass**: 770 kilograms.
- **Operator**: Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces).
- **Manufacturer**: OHB System AG.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-3M rocket (Soviet/Russian origin).
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit.
- **Part of**: SAR-Lupe, Germany’s military reconnaissance satellite system.
- **Preceded by**: SAR-Lupe 1.
- **Followed by**: SAR-Lupe 3.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: SmartLEO.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of SAR-Lupe 2?
A: SAR-Lupe 2 is a reconnaissance satellite designed to gather intelligence data for military applications using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology.

### Q: When was SAR-Lupe 2 launched?
A: It was launched on July 2, 2007, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132 in Russia.

### Q: Who operates SAR-Lupe 2?
A: The satellite is operated by the Bundeswehr, the German Armed Forces.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch SAR-Lupe 2?
A: It was launched using a Kosmos-3M rocket, a Soviet/Russian launch vehicle.

### Q: What is the mass of SAR-Lupe 2?
A: The satellite has a mass of 770 kilograms.

## Why It Matters
SAR-Lupe 2 plays a critical role in Germany’s military intelligence capabilities. As part of the SAR-Lupe system, it provides high-resolution radar imagery for reconnaissance and surveillance, enhancing national security and strategic decision-making. Reconnaissance satellites like SAR-Lupe 2 are essential for modern defense operations, offering persistent and covert monitoring of areas of interest. The use of synthetic aperture radar allows the satellite to operate regardless of weather conditions or daylight, making it a reliable asset for intelligence gathering. Its deployment reflects Germany’s investment in independent space-based reconnaissance capabilities, reducing reliance on allied intelligence sources.

## Notable For
- **First German Military SAR Satellite**: Part of Germany’s first dedicated military reconnaissance satellite system.
- **High-Resolution Imaging**: Equipped with synthetic aperture radar for detailed surveillance.
- **Independent Operation**: Enhances Germany’s autonomous intelligence-gathering capabilities.
- **Low Earth Orbit**: Operates in low Earth orbit for optimal reconnaissance coverage.
- **Part of a Constellation**: One of five satellites in the SAR-Lupe system, ensuring continuous coverage.

## Body
### Overview
SAR-Lupe 2 is the second satellite in the SAR-Lupe constellation, a system of five German military reconnaissance satellites. The system was developed to provide the Bundeswehr with independent intelligence-gathering capabilities.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Date**: July 2, 2007.
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132, Russia.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-3M rocket, a reliable Soviet/Russian launch system.
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit, optimized for reconnaissance missions.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 770 kilograms.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: SmartLEO, designed for flexibility and efficiency.
- **Manufacturer**: OHB System AG, a German aerospace company.
- **Operator**: Bundeswehr, the German Armed Forces.

### Mission and Capabilities
- **Primary Mission**: Covert intelligence gathering using synthetic aperture radar (SAR).
- **Coverage**: Provides high-resolution imagery for military and strategic purposes.
- **Weather Independence**: SAR technology allows operation in all weather conditions and at any time of day.

### Context within SAR-Lupe System
- **Preceded by**: SAR-Lupe 1.
- **Followed by**: SAR-Lupe 3.
- **System Role**: One of five satellites in the SAR-Lupe constellation, ensuring continuous and comprehensive coverage.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "SAR-Lupe 2",
  "description": "German reconnaissance satellite launched in 2007 as part of the SAR-Lupe military satellite system.",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q31797"],
  "additionalType": "ReconnaissanceSatellite"
}

## References

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