# SpaceEye-T

> South Korean high-resolution optical Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q138024146](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138024146)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/spaceeye-t

## Summary
SpaceEye-T is a South Korean high-resolution optical Earth observation satellite developed and operated by Satrec Initiative. Weighing approximately 700 kg, this small satellite serves a dual role as a technology demonstration spacecraft and an Earth observation platform. It was successfully launched into a Sun-synchronous orbit aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket on March 15, 2025.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** March 15, 2025, at 06:43:00.
- **Operator & Manufacturer:** Satrec Initiative (South Korea).
- **Classification:** Earth observation satellite, technology demonstration spacecraft, and small satellite.
- **Mass:** Approximately 700 kilograms.
- **Orbit:** Sun-synchronous orbit.
- **Design Life:** 5 years.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1081.13) as part of the Transporter 13 mission.
- **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.
- **Power Source:** Spacecraft solar array (composed of 4 panels).
- **Identifiers:** COSPAR ID 2025-052V; SCN 63229.

## FAQs
### Q: Who built and operates the SpaceEye-T satellite?
A: The satellite was both manufactured and is operated by Satrec Initiative, a company based in South Korea.

### Q: When and how was SpaceEye-T launched?
A: SpaceEye-T launched on March 15, 2025, at 06:43:00. It was deployed using a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket (booster B1081) flying from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East as part of the Transporter 13 mission.

### Q: What is the primary function of SpaceEye-T?
A: SpaceEye-T is designed for high-resolution optical Earth observation. Additionally, it functions as a technology demonstration spacecraft, serving to test and validate experimental technologies in orbit.

### Q: What are the technical specifications regarding its size and lifespan?
A: The satellite has a mass of approximately 700 kg and is designed for a service life of 5 years. It is powered by four solar arrays and operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit.

## Why It Matters
SpaceEye-T represents a significant step in South Korea's commercial space capabilities, specifically in the domain of high-resolution Earth observation. Developed by Satrec Initiative, the satellite highlights the increasing capability of private firms to produce advanced imaging technologies that were traditionally the domain of national agencies.

By combining a technology demonstration mission with operational Earth observation, SpaceEye-T serves as a testbed for new space technologies while simultaneously providing valuable data. Its deployment via the SpaceX Transporter 13 rideshare mission also underscores the growing trend of utilizing commercial small satellite platforms (under 1,200 kg) for sophisticated, long-duration orbital tasks. With a design life of 5 years, the 700 kg spacecraft contributes to the global capacity for monitoring the Earth's surface from a Sun-synchronous orbit, ensuring consistent lighting conditions for high-resolution imaging.

## Notable For
- Being a **high-resolution optical** Earth observation satellite developed by a private South Korean entity.
- Serving a **dual purpose** as both an operational imaging satellite and a **technology demonstration spacecraft**.
- Launching on the **Transporter 13** mission, a dedicated rideshare flight by SpaceX.
- Being powered by a specific configuration of **4 solar arrays**.
- Operating in a **Sun-synchronous orbit** to optimize lighting conditions for Earth observation.

## Body
### Development and Specifications
SpaceEye-T is a technology demonstration spacecraft and Earth observation satellite identified by the SCN number 63229. It was manufactured and is operated by the South Korean company Satrec Initiative. Weighing approximately 700 kilograms, it falls under the classification of a "small satellite" (defined as an artificial satellite generally less than 1,200 kg).

The spacecraft's structural design includes a power system comprised of 4 solar arrays. It is engineered for a design life of 5 years.

### Mission Profile
The satellite was launched on March 15, 2025, at 06:43:00. The launch took place at the Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East. The launch vehicle was a Falcon 9 Block 5, utilizing booster B1081 for its 13th flight (designation B1081.13). This launch was part of the "Transporter 13" mission cluster.

### Orbital Characteristics
Following its deployment, SpaceEye-T entered a Sun-synchronous orbit. This orbit is typical for Earth observation satellites as it allows the satellite to pass over any given point on the Earth's surface at the same local solar time, maintaining consistent illumination for imaging. The satellite's COSPAR ID is 2025-052V.

### Classification
According to structured data sources, SpaceEye-T is an instance of:
- Earth observation satellite
- Technology demonstration spacecraft
- Small satellite

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/spaceeye-t.htm)
2. [Source](https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/spaceeye-t)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](https://www.si-imaging.com/theme/responsive_SIIS/include/img/SpaceEye-T_en_v.2.1_A.pdf)