FORMOSAT-2
Encyclopedia
FORMOSAT-2 is an Earth observation satellite
operated by the National Space Organization (NSPO) of the Republic of China
(Taiwan
). It is a high-resolution photographic surveillance satellite with a daily revisit capability. Images are commercially available from Spot Image
.
aboard a Taurus XL rocket.
Earth observation satellite
Earth observation satellites are satellites specifically designed to observe Earth from orbit, similar to reconnaissance satellites but intended for non-military uses such as environmental monitoring, meteorology, map making etc....
operated by the National Space Organization (NSPO) of the Republic of China
Republic of China
The Republic of China , commonly known as Taiwan , is a unitary sovereign state located in East Asia. Originally based in mainland China, the Republic of China currently governs the island of Taiwan , which forms over 99% of its current territory, as well as Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu and other minor...
(Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
). It is a high-resolution photographic surveillance satellite with a daily revisit capability. Images are commercially available from Spot Image
Spot Image
Spot Image, a public limited company created in 1982 by the French Space Agency, Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales , the IGN, and Space Manufacturers is a subsidiary of EADS Astrium...
.
Launch
FORMOSAT-2 was launched 2004-05-19 from Vandenberg Air Force BaseVandenberg Air Force Base
Vandenberg Air Force Base is a United States Air Force Base, located approximately northwest of Lompoc, California. It is under the jurisdiction of the 30th Space Wing, Air Force Space Command ....
aboard a Taurus XL rocket.