Satellite Imaging Corporation is the official Value Added Reseller (VAR) of imaging and geospatial data products for:
FORMOSAT-2
View sample FORMOSAT-2 satellite imagery in our FORMOSAT-2 gallery.
Satellite Sensors
Learn more about each sensor and view sample satellite imagery.
Remote Sensing Resources
FORMOSAT-2 Satellite Sensor
The first remote sensing satellite developed by National Space Organization (NSPO), FORMOSAT-2, successfully launched on May 21, 2004 with a high resolution of 2 meter panchromatic data and 8 meter multispectral satellite image data. The main mission of FORMOSAT-2 is to conduct remote sensing imaging over Taiwan and on terrestrial and oceanic regions of the entire earth.
The images captured by FORMOSAT-2 during daytime can be used for land distribution, natural resources research, forestry, environmental protection, disaster prevention, rescue work, and other applications. When the satellite travels to the eclipsed zone, it will observe natural phenomena such as lighting in the upper atmosphere which can be used for further scientific experiments. FORMOSAT-2 carries both "remote sensing" and "scientific observation" tasks in its mission. The spacecraft is operating nominally as of 2006.
Image credit: EADS Astrium SAS/ NSPO (National Space Programme Office) of Taiwan
The FORMOSAT-2's Image Processing System (IPS) is independently developed by NSPO. It is designed to process images by tasking the satellite according to the user's needs. Images are then taken and downloaded through X-band antenna, then crossed with through IPS such as radiometric and geometric corrections and stored in computers. These files will be delivered to the end users based on the clients' requests.
FORMOSAT-2 Satellite Sensor Specifications
| Resolution | 2m panchromatic 8m multispectral |
| Launch Date | May 21, 2004 (Taiwan time) |
| Weight | Approximately 760 Kilograms |
| Size and Shape | Hexagonal, height 2.4 meters, outer radius approximately 1.6 meters (with solar panels folded) |
| Orbit | Sun-synchronous orbit at altitude of 891 kilometers, passes through Taiwan twice daily |
| Orbit Period | Approximately 103 minutes |
| Resolution | 2 meters for black/white images 8 meters for color images |
| Image Swatch 24km | Limb view angle 45°, capable of capturing 3-D images |
| Mission Life | 5 years |
FORMOSAT-2 Mapping Applications
FORMOSAT-2 satellite images support monitoring and detecting land change for any specific region for various industries and mapping applications. Users can task the satellite to keep track by scheduling revisits to detect changes on land and infrastructures, to observe movement overtime and helps to keep a current database to know what is happening on the ground so users can make informed decisions.
- Urban Land Utilization Monitoring
- Environment Monitoring and Planning
- Farm Crop Management
- Forest Management and Monitoring
- Disaster Area Evaluation
- Ecological Environment and Resources Research
- Tourism and Traveling
- Defense Mapping
- Coastal Management
FORMOSAT-2 Image Gallery
Please visit our FORMOSAT-2 Image Gallery for sample images.
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