Elop Camera for the Italian OPTSAT 3000 Satellite

6 December, 2012

The satellite will be built by Israel Aerospace Industries for $182 million, to deliver for the Italian Defense Ministry in 2015

ElopJupiter camera provides 50 cm resolution

Elbit Systems Electro-Optics Elop will supply the space camera for the Italian OPTSAT 3000 observation satellite. The total project, comprising the Jupiter camera and additional services, is valued at approximately $40 million.

The order is part of a major deal between Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the Italian Telespazio (Finmeccanica/Thales). Under the agreement, signed in July 2012, IAI’s MBT Space Division will build and integrate an advanced electro optical observation satellite for the use by the Italian Government. The project worth about $182 million.

Telespazio will be responsible for the overall system including the ground control station. The launch is also under Italian responsibility. MBT space division will assist Telespazio to fulfill its system/ground station responsibility.
The satellite will be capable to produce 50 cm resolution panchromatic images from a 600 km orbit. Low weight – less than 400 kg – allows various launch options, high maneuverability and coverage of widely spread areas of interest. Supply of the satellite is planned for mid 2015.

Telespazio staff will be stationed at Israel Aerospace Industries in Israel during the satellite testing and launch preparation phases, and at the Tel Aviv Control Centre during the post-launch phases. After that, the satellite control will pass to the Fucino Space Centre for the completion of in-orbit tests.

Telespazio is a joint venture between Finmeccanica (67%) and Thales (33%). The company generated sales of EUR 475 million in 2011 and employs around 2,500 staff.

 

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