| Abstract |
The SPOT Earth observation system was conceived and designed by CNES (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales), the space agency of France, and developed with the participation SNSB (Swedish National Space Board) of Sweden, and OSTC (Federal Office for Scientific, Technical, and Cultural Affairs) of Belgium. Belgium and Sweden are also involved in the exploitation of the data. The manufacturers of the spacecraft series are: MMS (Matra Marconi Space), Aerospatiale, and Sodern of France. All SPOT launches took place on Ariane launch vehicles from Kourou, French Guiana.
The pioneering SPOT program was initiated by France in 1978, the SPOT S/C series services represent a major provider of continuous (long-term) and high-resolution optical imagery for the world. The SPOT program evolved into a worldwide operational network, providing steadily improving quality of Earth observation data and services to its user community. The system comprises a series of spacecraft plus ground facilities for satellite control and programming, image production and distribution.
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