From Kourou to Outer Space

Two satellites by the IAI will be launched during 2016 by a European company, from the island of Kourou in French Guinea

From Kourou to Outer Space

OPTSAT 3000 (Photo: IAI)

The advanced observation satellite OPTSAT 3000 and the first civilian satellite VENμS, both produced by Israel Aerospace Industries, will be launched during 2016 by a European “Vega” launcher, made by Europe's largest launchers manufacturer “Arianespace”, from the launch site in Kourou island, French Guinea.

OPTSAT 3000 is an observation autonomous satellite, weighing 400 kg with high resolution capabilities. The satellite is part of a wider series of electro - optical satellites manufactured by IAI, using cameras developed by Elop, Elbit Systems Group, and are successfully active in space. The OPTSAT 3000 has high maneuverability and operational flexibility, thanks to the significantly low weight compared to similar satellites around the globe, a weight achieved by using innovative and progressive miniaturization technology developed by IAI.

The satellite has a resolution of 50 cm which allows the diagnosis of small details on the ground. The Satellite was purchased by the Italian government in 2012. The research satellite VENμS  (Vegetation and Environment on a New Micro Satellite) is a cooperation between the Israel Space Agency and the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) for the development and operation of satellites which will monitor the effect of climate changes on agricultural fields using multi-spectral picture technology, by Elop.

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