Test Your Knowledge on Reconnaissance Satellites Quiz

The United States launched the first reconnaissance satellite. The satellite, named CORONA, was launched on August 18, 1960. CORONA was a series of reconnaissance satellites used for photographic surveillance of the Earth's surface. The program was a classified effort during the Cold War era and played a crucial role in gathering intelligence information.

Electro-optical satellites capture images using visible and infrared light, allowing real-time imagery.

The reconnaissance satellite known as KH-11 was launched by the United States. The KH-11, also known as the Keyhole-11, is part of a series of reconnaissance satellites developed by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) for the United States government. The KH-11 satellites are optical imaging reconnaissance satellites used for intelligence gathering and surveillance purposes.

The 'Cartosat' series of reconnaissance satellites is launched by India. Cartosat is a series of Earth observation satellites developed and launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). These satellites are primarily designed for cartographic applications, providing high-resolution imagery and aiding in mapping, urban planning, infrastructure development, and various other geospatial activities

The 'Lacrosse' series of reconnaissance satellites is launched by the United States to capture radar images. Lacrosse is a series of radar imaging reconnaissance satellites used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance purposes. These satellites have been part of the reconnaissance efforts of the United States, providing all-weather imaging capabilities through the use of synthetic aperture radar (SAR).

The primary purpose of reconnaissance satellites is military surveillance and intelligence gathering. Reconnaissance satellites are specifically designed and used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) activities, primarily for military and defense purposes.

Radar imaging satellites can capture images through clouds and at night using microwave signals. Unlike electro-optical satellites that rely on visible and infrared light, radar imaging satellites use active radar signals to observe the Earth's surface. This allows them to capture images regardless of cloud cover or the time of day, making them particularly useful for all-weather and day-and-night surveillance applications.

The reconnaissance satellite known as 'Fengyun' is launched by China. Fengyun is a series of Earth observation satellites developed by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) for various applications, including meteorology, environmental monitoring, and disaster management

The reconnaissance satellite series named 'Ofeq' is launched by Israel. The Ofeq satellites are a series of reconnaissance satellites developed by the Israel Ministry of Defense and the Israel Space Agency. These satellites play a key role in providing Israel with reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities for national security purposes.

The European Space Agency (ESA) operates the 'Sentinel' series of reconnaissance satellites for Earth observation purposes.The Sentinel series includes various satellites equipped with different sensors for monitoring the Earth's environment, including land, oceans, and the atmosphere. The data collected by Sentinel satellites serve a wide range of applications, including environmental monitoring, climate studies, and disaster management.

The United States launched the 'Canyon' series of reconnaissance satellites for signals intelligence and interception. The Canyon satellites were part of a program operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) for the purpose of signals intelligence (SIGINT). These satellites were used to intercept and collect signals intelligence, enhancing the capabilities of the United States in monitoring and analyzing communication signals.

The GeoEye satellite is known for capturing detailed images of urban areas and important landmarks. It is an Earth-imaging satellite operated by Maxar of the United States. The satellite is capable of acquiring image data at 0.50-meter panchromatic (B&W) and 1.84-meter multispectral resolution. It also features a revisit time of fewer than three days, as well as the ability to locate an object within just three meters of its physical location.

The primary function of navigation satellites in reconnaissance missions is Determining the precise location and timing. Navigation satellites, such as those in the Global Positioning System (GPS) or other similar constellations, contribute to reconnaissance missions by providing accurate positioning and timing information.

The Raduga, which is a decommissioned orbital military communications satellite, was built by Roscosmos as part of the Globus program. It was first launched on September 12, 2007, on the Proton launch system1. The Raduga program is semi-classified to a point where Russian officials acknowledge the purpose of the satellites but do not release any details on the spacecraft and the mission. So, the country that launched the Raduga reconnaissance satellite is Russia.

The reconnaissance satellite series named 'Yaogan' was launched by China. The Yaogan satellites are a series of Earth observation satellites developed and operated by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).