# SPOT-5

> Earth observation satellite (2002-2015)

**Wikidata**: [Q106366993](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106366993)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/spot-5

## Summary
SPOT-5 was a French Earth observation satellite launched in 2002 as part of the SPOT series. It operated for over 13 years, providing high-resolution imagery until its retirement in 2015.

## Key Facts
- Launched on May 4, 2002, at 01:31:46 UTC from ELA-2 launch site
- Operated by Airbus DS Geo (formerly Astrium)
- Mass: 3,085 kg (launch weight)
- Designed for Sun-synchronous orbit
- Service life: 12.9 years (design life was 5 years)
- Retired on March 27, 2015
- Part of the SPOT series of Earth observation satellites
- Launched using Ariane 42P rocket (V151)
- Manufacturer: Astrium
- Country of origin: France

## FAQs
### Q: What was SPOT-5's primary mission?
A: SPOT-5 was designed to provide high-resolution Earth observation imagery for civilian and military applications, including environmental monitoring, land use mapping, and disaster management.

### Q: How long did SPOT-5 operate?
A: SPOT-5 operated for 12.9 years, far exceeding its design life of 5 years, before being retired on March 27, 2015.

### Q: What type of orbit did SPOT-5 use?
A: SPOT-5 operated in a Sun-synchronous orbit, which allows consistent lighting conditions for Earth observation imaging.

## Why It Matters
SPOT-5 represented a significant advancement in Earth observation capabilities, providing high-resolution imagery that supported critical applications in environmental monitoring, agriculture, urban planning, and disaster response. Its extended operational life of nearly 13 years demonstrated the reliability of French satellite technology and provided continuous data collection for over a decade. The satellite's imagery helped scientists track environmental changes, monitor crop health, and assess natural disasters, contributing valuable data to global Earth observation efforts. SPOT-5's success also paved the way for subsequent satellites in the SPOT series and influenced the development of future Earth observation missions.

## Notable For
- Exceeded design life by nearly 8 years, operating for 12.9 years total
- Provided high-resolution Earth observation imagery for over a decade
- Part of the successful SPOT series of French Earth observation satellites
- Launched using Ariane 42P rocket, demonstrating reliable European launch capabilities
- Operated by Airbus DS Geo, a major European aerospace company

## Body
### Technical Specifications
SPOT-5 was built on the SPOT satellite bus and featured advanced imaging capabilities for its time. The satellite had a launch mass of 3,085 kg and was powered by a solar array system. It carried sophisticated optical instruments capable of capturing high-resolution imagery of Earth's surface.

### Launch and Operations
The satellite launched on May 4, 2002, at 01:31:46 UTC from the ELA-2 launch site in French Guiana using an Ariane 42P rocket (V151). It was placed in a Sun-synchronous orbit, which is ideal for consistent Earth observation imaging. The satellite was operated by Airbus DS Geo (formerly Astrium) and was part of France's national space program.

### Mission Duration and Retirement
While designed for a 5-year operational life, SPOT-5 significantly exceeded expectations by operating for 12.9 years. The satellite provided continuous Earth observation services until its retirement on March 27, 2015. This extended operational period demonstrated the robustness of the satellite's design and construction.

### Series Context
SPOT-5 was the fifth satellite in the SPOT (Satellite Pour l'Observation de la Terre) series, which began in 1970. It was preceded by SPOT-4 and followed by SPOT-6. The SPOT series represents France's long-standing commitment to Earth observation and has provided valuable data for scientific research, commercial applications, and government agencies worldwide.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "SPOT-5",
  "description": "Earth observation satellite launched in 2002 as part of the SPOT series, operated for 12.9 years until 2015",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q190696",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SPOT-5"
  ],
  "additionalType": "Earth observation satellite"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/spot-5.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sat/astrium_spot.htm)
4. [Source](https://space.oscar.wmo.int/satellites/view/spot_5)