# SPOT 1

> Earth observation satellite (1986-2003)

**Wikidata**: [Q3459966](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3459966)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/spot-1

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for SPOT 1:

---

## Summary  
SPOT 1 is an Earth observation satellite launched in 1986 and operated until 2003. It was the first satellite in the SPOT series, designed for high-resolution imaging of Earth's surface. Manufactured by Matra and launched aboard an Ariane 1 rocket, it served as a pioneering platform for remote sensing.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch date**: February 22, 1986, from Ensemble de Lancement Vega.  
- **Operator**: Airbus DS Geo (formerly operated by CNES).  
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit with an inclination of 98.7 degrees and an orbital period of 101.40 minutes.  
- **Service life**: Exceeded its 3-year design life, operating for 17.8 years until retirement on November 28, 2003.  
- **Manufacturer**: Matra (now part of Airbus Defence and Space).  
- **Launch vehicle**: Ariane 1 (flight V16).  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1986-019A.  
- **Followed by**: SPOT-2, launched in 1990.  
- **Country of origin**: France.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was SPOT 1's primary mission?  
A: SPOT 1 was designed for high-resolution Earth observation, providing imagery for applications like mapping, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.  

### Q: How long did SPOT 1 remain operational?  
A: It operated for 17.8 years, far exceeding its 3-year design life, before being retired in 2003.  

### Q: What type of orbit did SPOT 1 use?  
A: It orbited Earth in a Sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 815–830 km, ensuring consistent lighting conditions for imaging.  

## Why It Matters  
SPOT 1 marked a significant advancement in Earth observation technology, offering higher-resolution imagery than earlier satellites. Its success laid the groundwork for the SPOT satellite series, which became a cornerstone of commercial and scientific remote sensing. The satellite's longevity and reliability demonstrated the viability of sustained Earth monitoring, influencing later missions. SPOT 1's data supported diverse fields, from urban planning to disaster response, showcasing the practical value of space-based observation.  

## Notable For  
- **First in the SPOT series**, pioneering commercial Earth observation.  
- **Long service life**, operating nearly 18 years despite a 3-year design.  
- **High-resolution imaging**, setting standards for subsequent satellites.  
- **Sun-synchronous orbit**, optimizing consistent Earth observation conditions.  

## Body  
### Launch and Deployment  
- Launched on February 22, 1986, at 01:44:35 UTC aboard an Ariane 1 rocket (flight V16).  
- Deployed from Ensemble de Lancement Vega, French Guiana.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous, with an inclination of 98.7 degrees.  
- **Altitude**: Initial periapsis of 815 km and apoapsis of 830 km (decayed to 574 km by retirement).  
- **Power**: Solar array providing electrical power.  
- **Spacecraft bus**: SPOT-series design, reusable for later satellites.  

### Operational History  
- Exceeded design life by 14.8 years, retiring on November 28, 2003.  
- Followed by SPOT-2 in 1990, continuing the series' legacy.  

### Imaging Capabilities  
- Provided high-resolution panchromatic and multispectral imagery.  
- Data used for mapping, agriculture, forestry, and environmental monitoring.  

## Schema Markup  
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Satellite",
  "name": "SPOT 1",
  "description": "Earth observation satellite (1986-2003)",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367"],
  "additionalType": "Earth observation satellite",
  "operationalPeriod": "1986-02-22/2003-11-28",
  "manufacturer": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Matra"
  },
  "launchVehicle": "Ariane 1"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/spot-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sat/astrium_spot.htm)
4. [Source](https://cnes.fr/fr/web/CNES-fr/1778-fin-de-vie-de-spot-1.php)
5. [Source](https://conference.sdo.esoc.esa.int/proceedings/sdc6/paper/119/SDC6-paper119.pdf)
6. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=1986-019A)