# SSTL-S1 2

> Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111471589](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111471589)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sstl-s1-2

## Summary
SSTL-S1 2 is an Earth observation satellite launched on July 10, 2015, as part of the UK-DMC 3 trio. It was built by Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL) and operates in a sun-synchronous orbit, providing high-resolution imaging for commercial and scientific purposes.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Earth observation satellite
- **Launch date**: July 10, 2015 (16:28 UTC)
- **Launch vehicle**: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-C28)
- **Launch site**: Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad
- **Mass**: 447 kg (launch weight)
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit
- **Manufacturer**: Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL)
- **Spacecraft bus**: SSTL-300
- **Operator**: DMC International Imaging
- **Funder**: 21AT (Chinese firm)
- **Aliases**: DMC 3-FM2, UK-DMC3B, DMC-3 2, TripleSat 2, Beijing 2-2, DMC3-2
- **Part of**: UK-DMC 3 (a trio of British Earth imaging satellites)
- **Country of origin**: United Kingdom
- **COSPAR ID**: 2015-032B
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2015-032B

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is SSTL-S1 2?
A: SSTL-S1 2 is an Earth observation satellite designed to capture high-resolution images from space, primarily for commercial and scientific applications.

### Q: Who built SSTL-S1 2?
A: The satellite was built by Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL), a British aerospace company specializing in small satellites.

### Q: When was SSTL-S1 2 launched?
A: SSTL-S1 2 was launched on July 10, 2015, at 16:28 UTC from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad in India.

### Q: What is the orbit of SSTL-S1 2?
A: The satellite operates in a sun-synchronous orbit, which allows it to pass over the same location on Earth at the same local solar time each day.

### Q: What is the mass of SSTL-S1 2?
A: The satellite has a launch mass of 447 kilograms.

## Why It Matters
SSTL-S1 2 is part of the UK-DMC 3 constellation, which provides high-resolution Earth imaging for applications such as environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster response. The satellite was funded by 21AT, a Chinese firm, and was launched using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-C28). Its sun-synchronous orbit ensures consistent imaging conditions, making it valuable for both commercial and scientific purposes. The UK-DMC 3 trio, including SSTL-S1 2, demonstrates the capabilities of small satellite technology in delivering high-quality Earth observation data.

## Notable For
- **Part of a trio**: SSTL-S1 2 is one of three identical satellites in the UK-DMC 3 constellation, providing redundant imaging capabilities.
- **Commercial imaging**: The satellite supports commercial Earth observation services, including high-resolution imagery for clients worldwide.
- **Sun-synchronous orbit**: Its orbit ensures consistent lighting conditions for high-quality imaging, crucial for applications like environmental monitoring.
- **Built by Surrey Satellite Technology**: The satellite was manufactured using SSTL’s SSTL-300 spacecraft bus, known for its reliability in small satellite missions.
- **Funded by 21AT**: The satellite’s development was supported by 21AT, a Chinese firm, highlighting international collaboration in Earth observation.

## Body
### Overview
SSTL-S1 2 is an Earth observation satellite launched as part of the UK-DMC 3 mission. It was developed by Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL) and operates in a sun-synchronous orbit, providing high-resolution imaging for commercial and scientific use.

### Launch Details
- **Launch date**: July 10, 2015, at 16:28 UTC.
- **Launch vehicle**: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-C28).
- **Launch site**: Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad, India.
- **Mass**: 447 kg at launch.

### Orbit and Operation
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit, ensuring consistent imaging conditions.
- **Operator**: DMC International Imaging, responsible for satellite operations and data distribution.

### Technical Specifications
- **Spacecraft bus**: SSTL-300, a standardized platform for small satellites.
- **Country of origin**: United Kingdom.
- **Funder**: 21AT, a Chinese firm that contributed to the satellite’s development.

### Identification and Classification
- **COSPAR ID**: 2015-032B.
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2015-032B.
- **Aliases**: DMC 3-FM2, UK-DMC3B, DMC-3 2, TripleSat 2, Beijing 2-2, DMC3-2.

### Role in the UK-DMC 3 Constellation
- **Part of**: UK-DMC 3, a trio of British Earth imaging satellites providing redundant imaging capabilities.
- **Significance**: Contributes to high-resolution Earth observation for applications such as environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster response.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/uk-dmc-3.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://spacenews.com/surrey-build-three-optical-imaging-satellites-chinese-firm/)