Formosat-2 Information Sheet

Quick fact

FORMOSAT-2 is a satellite operated by Taiwan’s National Space Organization NSPO. It was designed in Europe and built by EADS-Astrium.

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FORMOSAT-2 images

FORMOSAT-2 for daily imaging of your areas of interest

Earth observation systems offer more or less broad coverage and ever-finer detail, but their revisit frequency is still limited for surveillance purposes. FORMOSAT-2, the first and only high-resolution satellite with a daily revisit capability, overcomes this obstacle to provide a new response to your surveillance needs.

Daily monitoring capability

The ability to acquire repeat imagery of an area of interest every day with the same sensor, from the same angle and under the same lighting conditions guarantees a timely flow of compatible data.





Mokpo, South Korea, January 2005 - FORMOSAT-2 natural-colour image (c) NSPO - distribution Spot Image

FORMOSAT-2’s very specific orbit means it can acquire any scene in its coverage area every day - geosynchronous orbit - under the same lighting conditions - sun-synchronous orbit - and from the same angle. The satellite can also be tasked to cover a specific area and period of interest.

This solution is unrivalled today in the civil high-resolution satellite market.





Map of FORMOSAT-2 orbits and coverage areas: the satellite completes exactly 14 orbital revolutions every day

Unprecedented viewing features

Unlike other very-high-resolution satellites, FORMOSAT-2 guarantees the same viewing parameters every time, so you know how many images you will obtain and you can be sure they will register perfectly.

FORMOSAT-2’s local equator-crossing time is 9.30 a.m., where most optical satellites currently operating cross one hour later. This slightly earlier time, combined with daily revisits, increases the chances of acquiring useful imagery in equatorial regions where convective clouds form throughout the morning.

To view the animation, click on the image.

FORMOSAT-2 Images: © NSPO 2005, Distribution Spot Image - Conception and processes: Géo212, Photointerpretation: Fleximage, Animation: Induxia

Resolution for change detection

FORMOSAT-2’s spatial resolution — 2 metres in panchromatic (black and white) and 8 metres in multispectral (colour) mode — is an additional asset for surveillance. Ideally suited to strategic and operational intelligence missions, it is able to identify and characterize military sites, naval bases, air bases and refugee camps; perform reconnaissance of ships, aircraft and other assets; and surveillance of strategic or industrial facilities.

Blue band a plus

Like very-high-resolution satellites, FORMOSAT-2 has four bands: blue, green, red and near-infrared. Combined with the red and green bands, the blue band affords the ability to produce natural-colour composites without special processing. Used alone or with other channels, it also provides specific information for mapping shallow waters, distinguishing between bare earth and vegetation, mapping forests and identifying crops, and making atmospheric corrections.

A unique response to your requirements

FORMOSAT-2’s unique advantages give you:

the ability to monitor fast-changing situations daily
optimal high-resolution imaging even in unfavourable weather conditions
a reliable guarantee of repeat imagery for your long-term projects

FORMOSAT-2 is a precious aid for defence and disaster management, as well as for mapping, agriculture, land planning and forestry.

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