Military
NORAD ID: 39019
Int'l Code: 2012-068A
Launch date: December 2, 2012
Source: France (FR)
Comments: PLEIADES 1B rivals the imaging power of privately-owned spacecraft operated by GeoEye and DigitalGlobe, two firms providing commercial reconnaissance imagery to the U.S. government. Led by CNES, the French space agency, the Pleiades satellites will collect high-resolution optical imagery for military and civilian users. With additional ground processing, the satellites' cameras have a resolution of 50 centimeters, or less than 20 inches. Up to 50 images per day from the Pleiades system will be dedicated to French defense and intelligence services, and the rest will be available to commercial users. Together with Pleiades 1A, which launched in December 2011, the new satellite will enable global coverage every 24 hours.
Two Line Element Set (TLE):
Source: AFSPC
NASA's NSSDC Master Catalog entry for PLEIADES 1B
