OrbView 2 (SeaStar)
OrbView 2 [OrbImage]
OrbView 2, also known as SeaStar, is a commercial earth observation satellite, which operates its SeaWiFS sensor for NASA.
The purpose of the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) Project is to provide quantitative data on global ocean bio-optical properties to the Earth science community. Subtle changes in ocean color signify various types and quantities of marine phytoplankton (microscopic marine plants), the knowledge of which has both scientific and practical applications.
On December 11, 2010, after mor than 13 years, the communication with the instrument ceased.
| Nation: | USA |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Earth observing |
| Operator: | OrbImage (for NASA) → GeoEye |
| Contractors: | Orbital Sciences Corporation (OSC) |
| Equipment: | SeaWiFS |
| Configuration: | PegaStar |
| Propulsion: | ? |
| Power: | |
| Lifetime: | 5 years (planned); 13 years (reached) |
| Mass: | 309 kg |
| Orbit: | 310 km × 310 km, 98.2° (initially), raised to 700 km × 701 km, 98.22° SSO |
| Satellite | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OrbView 2 (SeaStar) | 01.08.1997 | Va, L-1011, RW30/12 | Pegasus-XL |
