FORMOSAT 1

Satellite characteristics

Launch Date - End 26 January 1999 - 17 June 2004

Status Decommissioned

Orbit type circular

Altitude 600

Orbit inclination 35

Orbit period 96.7

Satellite family: FORMOSAT

FORMOSAT-1 is a low-earth-orbit scientific experimental satellite. 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.

The "FORMOSAT-3 Program" is an international collaboration project between Taiwan and the US with joint efforts of Taiwan's National Space Organization (NSPO) and University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) of the US, the goal of the project is to develop advanced technology for the real-time monitoring of the global climate.

Sensor characteristics

Sensor name OCI (Ocean Color Imager)
Sensor short description
Sensor type Imaging radiometer (Vis/IR)
Resolution class Low (300 m - 1 km)
Swath width (at nadir) 700 km