# SARah-1

> German reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q112229088](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q112229088)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sarah-1

## Summary
SARah-1 is a German military reconnaissance satellite launched on June 18, 2022, serving as the first component of the SARah satellite constellation. Weighing approximately 2,200 kilograms, it utilizes a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and an active electronically scanned array to conduct radar reconnaissance for the Bundeswehr. The satellite was successfully deployed into orbit by a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** June 18, 2022, at 14:19:52.
- **Classification:** Reconnaissance satellite (COSPAR ID: 2022-063A).
- **Mass:** Approximately 2,200 kilograms.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Falcon 9 Block 5 (Serial No. 1071.3).
- **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E).
- **Operator:** Bundeswehr (for calibration, validation, and operation); Airbus SAS (for project commissioning).
- **Manufacturer:** Space Systems.
- **Technology:** Equipped with an active electronically scanned array and synthetic aperture radar.
- **Funder:** Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support.
- **Successor:** SARah-2.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of SARah-1?
A: SARah-1 is designed for radar reconnaissance, collecting data for intelligence and military applications using synthetic aperture radar technology.

### Q: Who launched the SARah-1 satellite?
A: The satellite was launched by SpaceX using a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East in California.

### Q: What happened to the satellite that followed SARah-1?
A: SARah-1 was succeeded by SARah-2, a German reconnaissance satellite which failed to deploy its radar antenna after launch.

### Q: What specific technology does SARah-1 use for imaging?
A: The satellite employs an active electronically scanned array (AESA) as its primary instrument for Earth observation.

## Why It Matters
SARah-1 represents a critical capability for German national security and intelligence gathering. As the inaugural unit of the SARah constellation, it provides the Bundeswehr with independent, high-resolution radar reconnaissance data. Unlike optical satellites, its synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology allows it to image the Earth's surface regardless of weather conditions, cloud cover, or time of day. This ensures continuous surveillance capabilities vital for modern military operations.

The successful deployment of SARah-1 stands in contrast to its successor, SARah-2, which suffered a deployment failure, highlighting the technical challenges of space-based radar systems. Funded by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support and manufactured by Space Systems, the satellite underscores Germany's strategic investment in sovereign defense technology and aerospace engineering. Its launch via a commercial SpaceX Falcon 9 also illustrates the increasing reliance on commercial launch providers for sensitive military payloads.

## Notable For
- **Radar Technology:** Utilizes an active electronically scanned array for advanced signal processing.
- **All-Weather Capability:** Uses synthetic aperture radar to penetrate cloud cover and operate at night.
- **Constellation Leader:** Serves as the first active satellite in the German SARah reconnaissance system.
- **Heavy Payload:** Weighs approximately 2,200 kg, classifying it as a substantial Earth observation satellite.
- **Contrast to Successor:** Successfully reached orbit and functionality, whereas its successor, SARah-2, failed to deploy its antenna.

## Body
### Mission and Development
SARah-1 is a German reconnaissance satellite developed for radar reconnaissance missions. It acts as a central asset for the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces), specifically tasked with calibration, validation, and spacecraft operation. The project was commissioned through Airbus SAS and funded by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support.

The satellite is known by the alias **SARah-Aktiv FM 1** and has the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) **52887**. It is identified by the COSPAR ID **2022-063A** and the NSSDCA ID **2022-063A**.

### Technical Specifications
The satellite has a recorded mass of approximately **2,200 kilograms**. It is equipped with a sophisticated **synthetic aperture radar** payload designed to collect high-resolution imagery. The system employs an **active electronically scanned array**, which allows for flexible beam steering and enhanced radar capabilities without moving parts.

### Launch Details
SARah-1 was launched on **June 18, 2022**, with a precise liftoff time of **14:19:52**. The launch vehicle was a **Falcon 9 Block 5** (specifically booster 1071.3), contracted and operated by **SpaceX**.

The launch took place at:
- **Location:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E)
- **Country of Origin:** Germany

### Operational Status and Succession
Following its successful launch and deployment, SARah-1 became operational as the first part of the **SARah** constellation. It was followed by **SARah-2**. While SARah-1 operates successfully, SARah-2 notably failed to deploy its radar antenna after launch, hindering its operational capabilities.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "SARah-1",
  "description": "A German military reconnaissance satellite launched on June 18, 2022, and the first unit of the SARah constellation.",
  "identifier": "2022-063A",
  "additionalType": "Reconnaissance Satellite"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/sarah-a.htm)
2. [Source](https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2022-06-airbus-built-earth-observation-satellite-sarah-1-ready-for-launch)
3. [Source](https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/06/18/spacex-launches-german-military-radar-satellite-from-california/)
4. Jonathan's Space Report
5. [Source](https://news.satnews.com/2022/06/18/spacex-shoots-sarah-1-swiftly-spaceward/)
6. [Source](https://syntheticapertureradar.com/two-german-military-spy-radar-satellites-fail-to-operate-in-orbit/)