# EROS A

> Israeli commercial Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q15261047](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15261047)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EROS_A)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eros-a

## Summary  
EROS A is an Israeli commercial Earth observation satellite launched in 2000. It was developed by Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd and operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit to capture high-resolution imagery for civilian and commercial use.

## Key Facts  
- Launched on December 5, 2000, from the Svobodny Cosmodrome using a Start-1 launch vehicle  
- Mass: 250 kilograms  
- Orbit: Sun-synchronous with an inclination of 97.3°, periapsis of 490 km, and apoapsis of 505 km  
- Orbital period: approximately 94.6 minutes  
- Manufacturer: Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd  
- Part of the EROS series of Earth observation satellites  
- COSPAR ID: 2000-079A  
- Satellite Catalog Number (SCN): 26631  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is EROS A used for?  
A: EROS A is used for Earth observation, capturing high-resolution optical imagery for commercial, environmental, and urban planning purposes.

### Q: When was EROS A launched?  
A: EROS A was launched on December 5, 2000.

### Q: Who built EROS A?  
A: EROS A was manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.

## Why It Matters  
EROS A represents a key milestone in Israel’s growing space industry and commercial Earth observation capabilities. As part of the EROS program, it provides critical remote sensing data used in agriculture, disaster monitoring, infrastructure development, and defense applications. Its successful deployment demonstrated Israel's ability to design and operate cost-effective imaging satellites, contributing to both national technological advancement and global commercial satellite markets.

## Notable For  
- First in the EROS commercial Earth observation satellite series  
- Operates in a precise Sun-synchronous orbit enabling consistent Earth imaging conditions  
- Lightweight design at only 250 kg, making it suitable for cost-efficient launches  
- Utilizes the Russian Start-1 launch vehicle, reflecting international cooperation in space  

## Body  
### Overview  
EROS A is a commercial Earth observation satellite operated by ImageSat International, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. Designed for high-resolution optical imaging, EROS A supports a wide range of civil and commercial applications including land-use planning, environmental monitoring, and mapping.

### Technical Specifications  
- **Mass**: 250 kg  
- **Orbit Type**: Sun-synchronous  
- **Periapsis**: 490 km  
- **Apoapsis**: 505 km  
- **Inclination**: 97.3°  
- **Orbital Period**: 94.6 minutes  
- **Eccentricity**: 0.00109083  

### Launch Details  
- **Launch Date**: December 5, 2000  
- **Launch Site**: Svobodny Cosmodrome, Russia  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Start-1  
- **Mission Type**: Commercial Earth observation  

### Operational Role  
As part of the EROS constellation, EROS A contributes to multi-temporal Earth observation services. The satellite delivers sub-meter resolution imagery, which is valuable for government agencies, private companies, and research institutions worldwide.

### Legacy and Impact  
EROS A laid the groundwork for future Israeli Earth observation missions and established Israel as a competitive player in the global commercial satellite imaging market. Its success has supported follow-on missions such as EROS B, enhancing both national security and economic opportunities through space-based technology.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report