Globes correspondent The EROS-C3 satellite, owned by ImageSat, was launched on Friday using a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch-vehicle, from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) launched its EROS-C3 satellite on Friday using a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch-vehicle, from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The satellite is owned by ImageSat International (TASE: ISI), which is controlled by private equity fund FIMI. The EROS-C3 is an advanced observation satellite incorporating pioneering technologies which enable very high-resolution images and for the first time use of a multi-spectral camera. After launch, the satellite entered its planned orbit around the earth and began transmitting data to the ground station. IAI engineers have begun a series of preplanned calibrations and tests to validate the satellite’s performance, and complete the preplan test prior to full operation soon. IAI chairman Amir Peretz said, "The launch of the EROS-C3 satellite is further proof of the company’s technological leadership as a true path breaker in space as in other arenas. Israel’s space program rests on an impressive array of technologies developed by IAI in cooperation with Israel’s Ministry of Defense, academia, and the Ministry of Science and Technology. The outputs from the satellite launched today, and the important findings that it will transmit to the ground station, will assist IAI in continuing to improve its advanced capabilities in these areas." RELATED ARTICLES