IAI's EROS B Commercial Satellite Successfully Launched From the Cosmodrome in Svobodni, Siberia in Russia
Apr 26, 2006
ImageSat International (ISI) announced yesterday (April 25, 2006) that an EROS B commercial observation satellite, manufactured by Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) was successfully launched from the Cosmodrome located in Svobodni, Siberia, Russia. The satellite was sent into orbit by the Russian Start-1 launcher.
The launch took place on April 26, 2006, 02:47 hours Siberia time and the satellite separated from the Start-1 rocket as planned. Communications with the EROS B satellite were established, also as planned, within 13 minutes after launch. A few days are required to verify that all the satellite sub-systems are operating according to predetermined specifications. The satellite will be operated and control by a team of engineers and technicians from the main ground control station located at IAI MBT Space Division facilities.
EROS B is a lightweight commercial satellite which will deliver very high resolution imagery based on advanced technology in both photographic and data processing capabilities. Its low weight (290kg) ensures maximum agility and stability for optimum imaging quality. EROS B can observe the earth and transfer the data to a ground station in either real time or accumulate the data and relay it to the ground at a chosen time. The satellite will pass a ground control station for 10 minutes, four times a day, twice in daytime and twice in nighttime.
EROS B, like its predecessor EROS A, build by IAI's MBT Space Division, is expected to provide service for a period of eight to ten years. EROS A, also operated by ImageSat International, was successfully sent into orbit by a Russian Start-1 launcher in December, 2000.
ImageSat International's shareholders include Israel Aircraft Industries, Elbit/ElOp Electro Optics Industries and international investors.
Systems, Missiles & Space Group
Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI)'s Systems Missiles and Space Group initiates, designs, develops and delivers a variety of solutions, systems and products in the area of Missile Systems, Space and Information Technology.
IAI's MBT Space specializes in the design, production, testing, total tracking and control of satellites for remote sensing and communication purposes. The Division is leading all Israeli operations in space and as such acts as prime contractor for all national and civilian Space Programs in Israel. The MBT Space Division produces light, high resolution Low Earth Orbit (LEO) optical and radar observation satellites, as well as small and medium Geostationary (GEO) communication satellites. The Division also houses, under single roof, Ground Stations for its observation and communication satellites.
For further information, please contact:
Doron Suslik
Deputy Corporate Vice President for Communications
Tel: 972 (3) 935-8509
Fax: 972 (3) 935-8512
Email: hpaz@iai.co.il
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
