# SPOT

> series of Earth observation satellites

**Wikidata**: [Q750900](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q750900)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SPOT_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/spot

## Summary
SPOT (Satellite Pour l’Observation de la Terre) is a series of Earth observation satellites originating from France. Conceived in 1970, this spacecraft series is specifically designed to observe Earth from orbit, with various satellites operating over several decades.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: SPOT is a spacecraft series and a subclass of Earth observation satellites.
- **Origin**: The series originated in France.
- **Inception**: The program was conceived in 1970.
- **Operators**: Spot Image Labs operated the series from 1982 to 2014, after which Airbus DS Geo took over operations from 2014 onwards.
- **Constituent Satellites**: The series includes satellites such as SPOT 1, SPOT-2, SPOT-3, SPOT-4, SPOT-5, SPOT-6, and Azersky (formerly SPOT-7).
- **Aliases**: Known by several aliases including Earth Observation Test Satellite, Earth Observation Test System, and Satellite Probatoire de l'Observation de la Terre.
- **Image**: An image of SPOT-5 is available.

## FAQs
### Q: What is SPOT?
A: SPOT (Satellite Pour l’Observation de la Terre) is a series of Earth observation satellites. It is a French-originated spacecraft series designed to observe Earth from orbit, with its program conceived in 1970.

### Q: Who operates the SPOT satellite series?
A: The SPOT satellite series was operated by Spot Image Labs from 1982 to 2014. Since 2014, operations have been handled by Airbus DS Geo.

### Q: Which satellites are part of the SPOT series?
A: The SPOT series includes multiple Earth observation satellites such as SPOT 1, SPOT-2, SPOT-3, SPOT-4, SPOT-5, SPOT-6, and Azersky (which was originally SPOT-7).

### Q: When was the SPOT program conceived?
A: The SPOT program, a series of Earth observation satellites, was conceived in 1970.

## Why It Matters
The SPOT series plays a significant role in Earth observation, providing continuous data from orbit over several decades. As a long-running series of Earth observation satellites, it contributes to monitoring the planet's surface, which is crucial for various applications such as environmental monitoring, cartography, agriculture, and urban planning. The sustained operation through multiple generations of satellites, from SPOT 1 launched in 1986 to later iterations like SPOT-6 and Azersky, demonstrates a commitment to long-term data collection. This continuous stream of observational data allows for tracking changes over time, supporting scientific research, and informing decision-making related to Earth's resources and environment. Its development and operation by French entities, with subsequent commercial operation, highlight its importance in the global remote sensing landscape.

## Notable For
- **Long-standing Series**: Represents a multi-decade commitment to Earth observation through successive satellite generations (SPOT 1 through SPOT-6, and Azersky).
- **French Origin**: Conceived and developed in France, contributing significantly to the country's space capabilities.
- **Continuous Operation**: Maintained operational continuity through various operators, from Spot Image Labs to Airbus DS Geo.
- **Diverse Satellite Fleet**: Encompasses a range of individual satellites, each with its own operational lifespan, contributing to a comprehensive observation record.

## Body

### Overview
SPOT, an acronym for Satellite Pour l’Observation de la Terre, is a series of Earth observation satellites. The program was conceived in 1970 in France. It is classified as a spacecraft series and falls under the broader category of Earth observation satellites, which are artificial satellites specifically designed to observe Earth from orbit. The series is also known by aliases such as Earth Observation Test Satellite, Earth Observation Test System, and Satellite Probatoire de l'Observation de la Terre.

### Satellites in the Series
The SPOT series comprises several individual Earth observation satellites:
*   **SPOT 1**: Operated from 1986 to 2003.
*   **SPOT-2**: Operated from 1990 to 2009.
*   **SPOT-3**: Operated from 1993 to 1996.
*   **SPOT-4**: Operated from 1998 to 2013.
*   **SPOT-5**: Operated from 2002 to 2015.
*   **SPOT-6**: An Earth observation satellite.
*   **Azersky**: An Azerbaijani Earth observation satellite, operated from 2014 to 2023. This satellite was originally SPOT-7, sold to Azerbaijan.

### Operations
The operation of the SPOT series has transitioned over time:
*   **Spot Image Labs**: Operated the series from 1982 until 2014.
*   **Airbus DS Geo**: Took over operations from 2014 onwards.

### Identification
An image of SPOT-5 is available. The series is identified in various knowledge bases, including a Freebase ID of /m/02n6sg, a Library of Congress Authority ID of sh85126962, and a National Library of Israel J9U ID of 987007282191805171. It also has an Encyclopædia Universalis ID of satellite-probatoire-d-observation-de-la-terre and Encyclopedia of China (third edition) IDs of 401442 and 68124.

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  "alternateName": [
    "Earth Observation Test Satellite",
    "Earth Observation Test System",
    "Earth Observation Satellite",
    "Système Probatoire d’Observation de la Terre",
    "Satellite Pour l’Observation de la Terre",
    "Satellite Probatoire de l'Observation de la Terre"
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  "countryOfOrigin": "France",
  "dateCreated": "1970"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. National Library of Israel