Pléiades (satellite)
Pléiades satellite | |
| Mission type | Earth observation/Reconnaissance |
|---|---|
| Operator | CNES |
| COSPAR ID | 1A: 2011-076F 1B: 2012-068A |
| SATCAT no. | 1A: 38012 1B: 39019 |
| Website | CNES (Pléiades satellites) |
| Mission duration | 5 years (planned) |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Bus | Astrosat-1000 |
| Manufacturer | EADS Astrium Satellites |
| Launch mass | 970 kg (2,140 lb) (each) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 1A: 02:03, 17 December 2011 (UTC) 1B: 02:02, 2 December 2012 (UTC) |
| Rocket | Soyuz ST-A / Fregat |
| Launch site | Centre Spatial Guyanais, ELS |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
| Regime | Sun-synchronous orbit |
| Altitude | 695 km (432 mi) |
| Inclination | 98.2° |
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The Pléiades constellation is composed of two very-high-resolution optical Earth-imaging satellites. Pléiades-1A and Pléiades-1B provide the coverage of Earth's surface with a repeat cycle of 26 days. Designed as a dual civil/military system, Pléiades will meet the space imagery requirements of European defence as well as civil and commercial needs.