A Step Forward In Capturing Images From Space

Imagine standing atop Mount Hermon, Israel’s northernmost point, and witnessing the individuals in the southern city of Eilat, over 450 kilometers away. Such incredible feats of vision are made possible by the EROS C-3 satellite, equipped with advanced electro-optic sensors. These sensors are so advanced that they offer stunning 4K resolution imagery, even when capturing subjects from hundreds of kilometers away.

“We’re talking about a high-end camera that can capture both monochrome and full-color images,” says Tali, Space Unit Program Manager and Business Development Officer at Elbit Systems’ ISTAR & EW, “and it is the first of its kind launched into space”.

A High-End Focal Ability in Space

The EROS C-3 satellite project represents a remarkable collaboration between several key players, including Elbit Systems, the Israeli Aerospace Industry (IAI), Image Sat International (ISI), and Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Their collective goal was to create and launch a Top-tier camera satellite into orbit, enabling precise monitoring of global areas of interest with unparalleled image quality. Tali, who had previously worked at ISI, finds personal significance in this project. She says, “This project brought a sense of closure for me. Also, having the opportunity to visit SpaceX’s launch site at the U.S. Air Force base in California was a great privilege.”

In December of last year (2022), the pivotal moment arrived for the teams engaged in this project. The SpaceX launch pad roared to life, propelling one of the most Innovative pieces of technology into space, destined for its intended orbit around Earth. “It was exhilarating, although the period from launch until we received the first images taken with our camera lasted nearly two weeks,” Tali recalls. “We had to hold our breath for what felt like an eternity.”

Camera Precision in Space

Developing the camera for the EROS C-3 satellite was a multi-year endeavor, leveraging Elbit Systems’ substantial knowledge in space engineering and electro-optics.

“Our company boasts over 30 years of experience in this domain,” Tali proudly states. “That’s why clients worldwide rely on us for our expertise in delivering advanced solutions, even within stringent constraints.”

According to Tali, creating a space camera demands precise material and structural planning, as even a single additional kilogram can affect its space performance. “Our customers recognize our extensive experience in crafting space cameras to suit their unique constraints.”

In this project, the satellite was launched into space with a trajectory opposite to Earth’s rotation axis, heading west. Consequently, the satellite had to be smaller and lighter to accommodate extra fuel containers. “We factored this into the planning and development stages,” Tali explains. Needless to say, the launch proceeded without a hitch.

Tip & Cue Satellite Synergy

The outputs and imagery generated by the EROS C-3 satellite have proven valuable to ISI, the project’s main customer, and are made available to a diverse clientele upon request. “These images hold value for a broad spectrum of customers, encompassing both civilian and defense needs,” notes Tali.

“Satellites, being exempt from international flight regulations, possess the capability to scan extensive areas of global interest, even those considered hostile territory,” she expounds. “Leveraging the capabilities of these high-end sensors in coordination with other satellites equipped with lower-quality cameras can confer a substantial advantage to users through the ‘Tip & Cue’ system.”

The “Tip & Cue” system constitutes a satellite constellation-driven mission. In this setup, lower-quality photography satellites can effectively “alert” their high-end satellites to any alterations in a designated vicinity. Consequently, this prompts swift and focused surveillance of areas of interest.

“For instance, if a small satellite is orbiting an area and detects a surface alteration, it can effectively ‘request’ a higher-quality satellite to improve users’ visibility of the evolving surface. This results in a more comprehensive examination of the region. In essence, it assists users in precisely discerning changes in the area of interest through a dynamic and nimble process,” Tali explains.

In the future, Elbit Systems’ Space Solutions business unit intends to provide examine even more agile satellite imagery solutions by creating intelligent Space cameras for satellite constellations. “We already recognize substantial potential in this area,” Tali summarizes. “Steering our forthcoming products in this direction would undeniably offer immense value to our customers and enhance our already extensive expertise in the field.”

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