Both satellites allow for earth observation for multiple purposes: border control, intelligence, environmental monitoring, protection of natural resources, military operations, enforcement of international treaties, surface monitoring, city and infrastructure planning, monitoring of natural catastrophes and high-resolution mapping, among many others.
Earth observation
PNOTS (National Satellite Ground Observation Program) was launched in July of 2007, a collaborative effort of the Ministries of Defense and of Industry, Tourism and Commerce.
PNOTSemploys two satellites, PAZ and INGENIO, currently in development and featuring two space observation techniques: radar (SAR) and optical. They will be for both military and civilian use and will offer nighttime and daytime images in any weather conditions. With this program, Spain becomes the first European country to have a dual-observation, dual-use system. Hisdesat is responsible for placing the satellite into orbit and for the commercial operation of both satellite observation systems, in cooperation with INTA, which will provide the ground control services.
