Program: Skysat
S2862
US private remote sensing satellite program
13 satellites to be built by SSL and launched in 2015 & 2016. The first
satellite,
Skysat 1,
is not part of this series. To be launched on Minotaur C.
They will capture sub-meter colour imagery and up to 90-second clips of HD
video with 30 frames per second.
Once the 13 satellites are launched, Skybox will be able to revisit any point
on Earth three times per day.
As part of the agreement, Skybox granted SSL an exclusive license to the
satellite design. This provides SSL with a platform to address the growing
demand for small satellites and related services.
In Jun 2014, Google announced it bought the company for $500 million and
requested transfer of the satellite licence.
The company was renamed Terra Bella in March 2016. The company was purchased by
Planet Labs
in early 2017, and Google committed to a multi-year contract to purchase
imaging from them.
In early 2020 the company lowered the orbit of some in-orbit satellites to
enhance image resolution.
Skysat 16 to 21 should operate in inclination from 40 to 60°
In 2020 the company applied to merge its FCC licence with
Dove
under call sign S2912 and then to extend till 28 Feb 2029.
http://www.skyboximaging.com/
https://terrabella.google.com/