# SPOT-3

> Earth observation satellite (1993-1996)

**Wikidata**: [Q106366903](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106366903)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/spot-3

## Summary
SPOT-3 was an Earth observation satellite launched in 1993 as part of the SPOT series, designed to provide high-resolution imagery for environmental monitoring and mapping. It operated until 1996, serving as a successor to SPOT-2 and predecessor to SPOT-4.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Earth observation satellite
- **Operational period**: 1993–1996
- **Part of**: SPOT satellite series (inception: 1970, France)
- **Predecessor**: SPOT-2 (1990–2009)
- **Successor**: SPOT-4 (1998–2013)
- **Launch date**: September 26, 1993
- **Launch vehicle**: Ariane 40 (V59)
- **Launch site**: ELA-2
- **Manufacturer**: Matra Marconi Space
- **Operator**: Airbus DS Geo
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous
- **Power source**: Spacecraft solar array
- **Design life**: 3 years
- **Spacecraft bus**: SPOT

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of SPOT-3?
A: SPOT-3 was designed to capture high-resolution images of Earth for applications in environmental monitoring, agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management.

### Q: How long did SPOT-3 operate?
A: SPOT-3 was operational from September 1993 until November 1996, exceeding its planned 3-year design life.

### Q: What was unique about SPOT-3’s orbit?
A: SPOT-3 operated in a sun-synchronous orbit, allowing it to capture consistent imagery at the same local solar time each day, which is crucial for environmental and mapping applications.

### Q: Who built SPOT-3?
A: SPOT-3 was manufactured by Matra Marconi Space and operated by Airbus DS Geo.

### Q: What was the significance of the SPOT series?
A: The SPOT series was a pioneering French satellite program that provided high-resolution Earth imagery, contributing to advancements in environmental science, agriculture, and urban development.

## Why It Matters
SPOT-3 played a crucial role in the SPOT satellite series, which revolutionized Earth observation by providing high-resolution imagery for environmental monitoring, agriculture, and urban planning. Launched in 1993, it succeeded SPOT-2 and preceded SPOT-4, ensuring continuity in the program. Its sun-synchronous orbit allowed for consistent imaging, making it invaluable for tracking changes in land use, vegetation, and natural disasters. The SPOT series, including SPOT-3, demonstrated the importance of satellite-based remote sensing in understanding and managing Earth’s resources. By delivering detailed imagery, these satellites supported scientific research, agricultural planning, and disaster response, highlighting their significance in both civilian and military applications.

## Notable For
- **Continuity in the SPOT series**: SPOT-3 ensured uninterrupted Earth observation data between SPOT-2 and SPOT-4.
- **High-resolution imagery**: Provided detailed images for environmental monitoring and mapping.
- **Sun-synchronous orbit**: Enabled consistent imaging at the same local solar time each day.
- **Exceeded design life**: Operated for over 3 years beyond its planned service life.
- **Support for scientific research**: Contributed to studies in agriculture, urban development, and disaster management.

## Body
### Overview
SPOT-3 was the third satellite in the SPOT series, a French Earth observation program initiated in 1970. It was designed to provide high-resolution imagery for environmental monitoring, agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management.

### Launch and Operation
- **Launch date**: September 26, 1993, at 01:45 UTC.
- **Launch vehicle**: Ariane 40 (V59) from ELA-2.
- **Operational period**: September 1993 to November 1996.
- **Design life**: 3 years, with actual service lasting until 1996.

### Technical Specifications
- **Manufacturer**: Matra Marconi Space.
- **Operator**: Airbus DS Geo.
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous, allowing consistent imaging.
- **Power source**: Spacecraft solar array.
- **Spacecraft bus**: SPOT, indicating its design lineage within the series.

### Significance
- **Predecessor and successor**: SPOT-3 followed SPOT-2 (1990–2009) and preceded SPOT-4 (1998–2013), ensuring continuity in the program.
- **Applications**: Supported environmental monitoring, agriculture, urban planning, and disaster response.
- **Legacy**: Contributed to advancements in remote sensing and Earth observation technology.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "SPOT-3",
  "description": "Earth observation satellite (1993-1996)",
  "additionalType": "EarthObservationSatellite",
  "manufacturer": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Matra Marconi Space"
  },
  "operator": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Airbus DS Geo"
  },
  "launchDate": "1993-09-26",
  "serviceRetirement": "1996-11-14",
  "partOf": {
    "@type": "Series",
    "name": "SPOT",
    "startDate": "1970"
  },
  "predecessor": {
    "@type": "Thing",
    "name": "SPOT-2"
  },
  "successor": {
    "@type": "Thing",
    "name": "SPOT-4"
  }
}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/spot-1.htm)
3. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sat/astrium_spot.htm)
4. [Source](https://conference.sdo.esoc.esa.int/proceedings/sdc6/paper/119/SDC6-paper119.pdf)