
SkySAT
The PlanetScope satellite constellation consists of multiple launches of groups of individual satellites. Therefore, on-orbit capacity is constantly improving in capability or quantity, with technology improvements deployed at a rapid pace. Each PlanetScope satellite is a CubeSat 3U form factor (10 cm by 10 cm by 30 cm). The complete PlanetScope constellation of approximately 130 satellites is able to image the entire land surface of the Earth every day (equating to a daily collection capacity of 200 million km²/day).
- Very High Resolution
- The most spectral diversity commercially available
- Frequent revisits at high resolution
- Industry-leading geolocation accuracy
- Bi-directional scanning
- Ultra-stable platform, highprecision attitude sensors and GPS

About SkySat

Planet operates the PlanetScope (PS) and SkySat (SS) Earth-imaging constellations. Imagery is collected and processed in a variety of formats to serve different use cases, be it mapping, deep learning, disaster response, precision agriculture, or simple temporal image analytics to create rich information products. PlanetScope satellite imagery is captured as a continuous strip of single frame images known as “scenes.” Scenes may be acquired as a single RGB (red, green, blue) frame or a split-frame with a RGB half and a NIR (near-infrared) half depending on the capability of the satellite.
SkySat Samples
SkySat Specs
- Launch Information
Date: October 8, 2009
Launch Vehicle: Delta 7920 (9 strap-ons)
Launch Site: Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
- Orbit
450 - 580 km (~98° inclination)
- Spacecraft Size, Mass and Power
Mass: 110 kg
Dimensions: 60 x 60 x 95 cm
- Sensor Bands
Blue: 455 - 515 nm
Green: 500 - 590 nm
Red: 590 - 670 nm
NIR: 780 - 860 nm
- Dynamic Range
16-bits per pixel
- Swath Width
6.5m at nadir
- Pointing Accuracy & Knowledge
Sensor-related effects are corrected using sensor telemetry and a sensor model. Spacecraft-related effects are corrected using attitude telemetry and best available ephemeris data. Orthorectified using GCPs and fine DEMs (30 m to 90 m posting) to <10 m RMSE positional accuracy
- Retargeting Agility
Time to Slew 200 km: 10 sec
- Onboard Storage
360 GB + 360 GB cold spare storage
- Revisit Frequency (at 40°N Latitude)
4 - 5 days *Reference altitude 500 km
-
Geolocation
Accuracy (CE90)
Demonstrated <3.5 m CE90 without ground control
- Capacity
200 million km²/day
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Other Satellites
- MAXAR
- MAXAR