Paz (Spanish for "Peace") is a Spanish Earth observation and reconnaissance satellite launched on 22 February 2018. It is Spain's first spy satellite.[2] The satellite is operated byHisdesat.[3]Paz was previously referred to asSEOSAR (Satélite Español de Observación SAR).[4]
For observational purposes,Paz uses asynthetic aperture radar (SAR) to collect images of Earth for governmental and commercial use, as well as other ship tracking and weather sensors, which enables high-resolution mapping of large geographical areas at day and night.[3][5] The X-band radar imaging payload operates at a wavelength of 3.1 centimetres (1.2 in), or a frequency of 9.65 gigahertz.
ThePaz satellite is operated in a constellation with the German SAR fleetTerraSAR-X andTanDEM-X on the same orbit. The collaboration was agreed on by both Hisdesat and former European aerospace manufacturerAstrium, operator of the two other satellites.[4][6] The high-resolution images will be used for military operations, border control, intelligence,environmental monitoring, protection of natural resources, city, and infrastructure planning, and monitoring of natural catastrophes.
Originally,Paz was scheduled for launch from theYasny launch base, Russia, in 2014, but this was delayed due to Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, resulting in anInternational Court of Arbitration legal battle betweenHisdesat andKosmotras. The US launch was estimated to cost around€53 million, cost partially reduced by the inclusion of several mobile internet satellites on the same flight.[2]
The satellite launched on a reusedFalcon 9 rocket bySpaceX fromVandenberg Air Force Base,SLC-4E on 22 February 2018 at 14:17UTC. The satellite hosted two secondary payloads: anAIS receiver and the Radio-Occultation and Heavy Precipitation (ROHP) experiment.[7] The launch was shared by two 400 kg (880 lb) SpaceX test satellites for theirStarlink, named Tintin A and B.[8][9] It was the final flight of aBlock 3 first stage, and reused the booster B1038 from theFormosat-5 mission.[10]Paz weighs 1,282 kg (2,826 lb),[10] and its total mass with fuel is 1,341 kg (2,956 lb).[8] The payloads were carried to aSun-synchronous dawn-dusk orbit.[3] The launch was originally scheduled for 30 January 2018.[5]
The booster flew without landing legs and was expended at sea.[8] It also featuredFairing 2.0 with a recovery attempt using acrew boat namedMr. Steven that is equipped with a net. The fairing narrowly missed the boat, leading to a soft water landing.[11][12]
PAZ satellite images have been successfully used to monitor ground surface displacements,[13] precipitation and cloud ice[14] and crop classification.[15]
Launches are separated by dots ( • ), payloads by commas ( , ), multiple names for the same satellite by slashes ( / ). Crewed flights are underlined. Launch failures are marked with the † sign. Payloads deployed from other spacecraft are (enclosed in parentheses).
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