By launching SEOSAT-Ingenio, the first Spanish Earth observation satellite, Ari anespace reinforces its relationship with Spain (fifth contributor at ESA) – a coun try that also is very involved in European launchers program.
SEOSAT-Ingenio is a high-resolution optical imaging mission of Spain – the flagship mission of the Spanish space strategic plan. Its mission is devoted to ensure an even coverage of the areas of national interest, providing a large operational capability in the capture of high-resolution multi-spectral land optical images for numerous user groups, as well as supporting and optimizing the development in Spain of teledetection-based applications in Spain.
The overall mission objective is to provide information for applications in cartography, land use, urban management, water management, environmental monitoring, risk management and security.
With its capability to look sideways, it can access any point on Earth within three days, and will be used to help map natural disasters such as floods, wildfires and earthquakes – as well as help with one of humankind’s biggest challenges: understanding and responding to climate change.
SEOSAT-Ingenio will be the 57th mission (79th satellite) to be launched by Arianespace for ESA (ESA/Earth observation programs directorate) at the benefit of Spain’s Center for Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI – Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico Industrial). INTA, the National Institute of Aerospace Technology (in Torrejon de Ardoz- Madrid) will own and operate the satellite.
The SEOSAT-Ingenio spacecraft is the first built by an industrial consortium of the Spanish space sector companies led by Airbus Defence and Space. SEOSAT-Ingenio will be the 128th Airbus Defence and Space satellite to be launched by Arianespace.
There are currently 20 Airbus Defence and Space satellites in Arianespace’s backlog. In addition, Airbus Defence and Space is also involved in the design and manufacturing of the OneWeb satellites to be deployed by Arianespace.
There are seven additional ESA missions (for nine satellites) in the Arianespace backlog.