# VRSS-1

> Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q1640169](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1640169)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VRSS-1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vrss-1

## Summary
VRSS-1, also known as Satélite Miranda, is Venezuela's first Earth observation satellite, launched in 2012 to monitor natural resources and environmental changes. Developed in collaboration with China, it provides critical data for agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning. The satellite operates from a sun-synchronous orbit, equipped with high-resolution imaging instruments.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: September 29, 2012, from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China.
- **Operator**: Agencia Bolivariana para Actividades Espaciales (Venezuela's space agency).
- **Manufacturer**: China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 2D rocket.
- **COSPAR ID**: 2012-052A.
- **SCN**: 38782.
- **Primary Mission**: High-resolution imaging for environmental monitoring and disaster response.
- **Aliases**: Venezuela Remote Sensing Satellite 1, Satelite Miranda.

## FAQs
### Q: When was VRSS-1 launched?
A: VRSS-1 was launched on September 29, 2012, aboard a Long March 2D rocket from China's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

### Q: What is the purpose of VRSS-1?
A: The satellite provides high-resolution imagery to support Venezuela's efforts in natural resource management, agricultural planning, and disaster response, such as monitoring wildfires or floods.

### Q: Who built and operates VRSS-1?
A: VRSS-1 was manufactured by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and is operated by Venezuela's Agencia Bolivariana para Actividades Espaciales (ABAE).

## Why It Matters
VRSS-1 represents a milestone in Venezuela's space program as its first domestically operated Earth observation satellite. By leveraging Chinese technology, the mission enhances Venezuela's capacity to monitor environmental changes, manage natural resources, and respond to disasters. This collaboration underscores Venezuela's strategic investment in space technology for national development, providing data critical for agriculture, urban planning, and climate studies. The satellite's capabilities contribute to long-term sustainability efforts and reinforce international partnerships in space exploration.

## Notable For
- Venezuela's first Earth observation satellite, marking a significant advancement in its space program.
- Collaboration between Venezuela and China, combining Chinese engineering with Venezuelan operational needs.
- High-resolution imaging systems designed for detailed environmental and geological surveys.
- Sun-synchronous orbit ensures consistent coverage of Venezuela's territory for continuous monitoring.

## Body

### Launch and Deployment
VRSS-1 launched on September 29, 2012, at 04:30 UTC from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China. The launch vehicle, a Long March 2D rocket, placed the satellite into a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 654 kilometers. This orbit allows the satellite to capture consistent imagery of Venezuela's territory.

### Technical Specifications
- **Manufacturer**: China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
- ** Instruments**: High-resolution panchromatic and multispectral cameras.
- **Orbit Type**: Sun-synchronous.
- **SCN**: 38782.
- **COSPAR ID**: 2012-052A.

### Mission Objectives
The primary goal of VRSS-1 is to provide Venezuela with independent access to satellite imagery for:
- Monitoring natural resources (e.g., forests, water bodies).
- Assessing agricultural health and crop yields.
- Supporting disaster response efforts (e.g., flood, wildfire tracking).
- Aiding urban planning and infrastructure development.

### Operational Context
Operated by the Agencia Bolivariana para Actividades Espaciales (ABAE), VRSS-1 demonstrates Venezuela's commitment to applying space technology for national development. The satellite's design life and technical parameters reflect its role as a foundational asset for Venezuela's remote sensing capabilities, reducing reliance on foreign satellite data.

## References

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