# SSOT

> Chilean earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q525552](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q525552)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SSOT_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ssot

## Summary  
SSOT is a Chilean Earth observation satellite launched in 2011 to monitor and collect imagery of Chilean territory. It was developed and operated by the Chilean Air Force for national surveillance and environmental monitoring purposes. The satellite was launched aboard a Soyuz-2.1a rocket from the Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz facility.

## Key Facts  
- Launched on December 17, 2011  
- Operated by the Chilean Air Force  
- Launched from Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz using a Soyuz-2.1a rocket  
- Official name: Sistema Satelital para Observación de la Tierra  
- Alternate designations: FASat-Charlie  
- COSPAR ID: 2011-076E  
- Instance of: Earth observation satellite  
- Wikidata item: Q177837  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is SSOT used for?  
A: SSOT is used for Earth observation, specifically to monitor Chilean territory through high-resolution imaging. Its data supports environmental monitoring, disaster management, and national security efforts.

### Q: Who operates the SSOT satellite?  
A: The satellite is operated by the Chilean Air Force. It serves governmental and military functions within Chile's national space program.

### Q: When was SSOT launched?  
A: SSOT was launched on December 17, 2011. The launch took place at the Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz site using a Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle.

## Why It Matters  
SSOT represents a key milestone in Chile’s growing space capabilities. As the country’s first dedicated Earth observation satellite, it enables independent monitoring of Chilean landmass, supporting applications such as natural resource management, urban planning, and emergency response. By reducing reliance on foreign satellite data, SSOT enhances Chile’s sovereignty in geospatial intelligence and contributes to regional development goals. Its deployment also underscores the expanding role of emerging nations in space-based Earth observation systems.

## Notable For  
- First Chilean-operated Earth observation satellite  
- Supports national sovereignty through autonomous geospatial data collection  
- Launched via international collaboration with Russia using proven Soyuz technology  
- Provides critical support for environmental and defense-related activities in Chile  
- Operated entirely by the Chilean Air Force  

## Body  
### Overview  
SSOT (Sistema Satelital para Observación de la Tierra) is Chile’s primary Earth observation satellite. Designed for remote sensing, it delivers optical imagery for civilian and military use within Chile.

### Mission Details  
The satellite was launched into orbit on December 17, 2011. It was deployed using a **Soyuz-2.1a** rocket from the **Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz**, located in Kourou, French Guiana. This marked a major advancement in Chile’s national space infrastructure.

### Operator and Purpose  
Operated exclusively by the **Chilean Air Force**, SSOT plays a strategic role in domestic surveillance, environmental tracking, and border control. It provides timely access to geographic information without depending on external providers.

### Technical Classification  
As an **Earth observation satellite**, SSOT belongs to a class of artificial satellites optimized for collecting visual and spectral data about planetary surfaces. These platforms are essential tools in modern governance, scientific research, and defense operations.

### Identifiers and References  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2011-076E  
- **Freebase ID**: /m/080lyqx  
- **SCN**: 38011  
- **Instance Of**: Earth observation satellite (Wikidata Q177837)  
- **Wikipedia Languages Available**: German, English, Spanish, Finnish, Galician, Japanese, Latvian  

### Alias Names  
To reflect its functional purpose and institutional branding, the satellite has been referred to under several names including:
- Sistema Satelital para Observación de la Tierra  
- FASat-Charlie  
- Sistema Satelital de Observacion Terrestre  

This naming variation reflects both official documentation and multilingual referencing across global databases.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013