description Pleiades 1B Overview
Pleiades 1B is a high-resolution optical Earth observation satellite launched in December 2012 by the French space agency CNES, with Airbus Defence and Space as the primary manufacturer. It operates in a sun-synchronous polar orbit alongside its twin, Pleiades 1A. Together, the two satellites form a constellation capable of imaging any point on Earth daily, delivering 0.5-meter resolution panchromatic and 2-meter multispectral imagery for both commercial and governmental users.
insights Ranking position
Pleiades 1B ranks #79 of 187 in the Satellite ranking, behind SMOS, ahead of NOAA-19.
help Pleiades 1B FAQ
When was Pleiades 1B launched?
Pleiades 1B was launched in December 2012 by CNES, the French space agency, approximately one year after its twin, Pleiades 1A. Together, the two satellites form a constellation providing frequent revisit coverage worldwide.
How does Pleiades 1B work together with Pleiades 1A?
Pleiades 1B operates in sun-synchronous polar orbit alongside Pleiades 1A, with the two satellites phased so that the constellation can revisit most points on Earth at least daily. This pairing enables rapid acquisition of very high-resolution imagery for time-sensitive applications.
Who manufactures the Pleiades satellites?
The Pleiades satellites are manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space as the primary contractor, in partnership with CNES. The program represents a major European investment in high-resolution optical Earth observation capability.
What orbit does Pleiades 1B operate in?
Pleiades 1B operates in a sun-synchronous polar orbit, the standard orbit for Earth observation satellites. This orbit type ensures consistent lighting conditions for imaging by passing over the same latitude at the same local solar time each day.
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