# VENµS

> Israeli French remote sensing satellite multispectral imaging and testing hall effect thruster

**Wikidata**: [Q3564198](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3564198)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VENμS)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vens

## Summary
VENµS (Vegetation and Environment monitoring on a New Micro-Satellite) is an Israeli-French remote sensing Earth observation satellite. Launched on August 2, 2017, it is designed for multispectral imaging and for testing a Hall effect thruster in space.

## Key Facts
*   VENµS is an Israeli-French remote sensing Earth observation satellite.
*   It was launched on August 2, 2017.
*   Its full name is Vegetation and Environment monitoring on a New Micro-Satellite.
*   The satellite performs multispectral imaging and tests a Hall effect thruster.
*   It was launched into a low Earth orbit aboard a Vega rocket.
*   Operators include the Israel Space Agency and the French space agency, CNES.
*   Manufacturers involved are Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
*   Its orbital inclination is 98.2 degrees.
*   The satellite's COSPAR ID is 2017-044B.
*   The satellite's SCN (Space Catalog Number) is 42901.

## FAQs
### Q: What is VENµS?
A: VENµS is an Israeli-French Earth observation satellite designed for remote sensing. It conducts multispectral imaging of Earth's surface and simultaneously tests a Hall effect thruster in space.

### Q: When was VENµS launched?
A: VENµS was launched on August 2, 2017. This event is also referred to as a rocket launch that occurred on that specific date.

### Q: Who operates VENµS?
A: VENµS is operated jointly by the Israel Space Agency and the French space agency, CNES.

### Q: What was VENµS launched on?
A: VENµS was launched into orbit using a Vega rocket, which is a retired European expendable orbital launch vehicle.

### Q: What is the primary purpose of VENµS?
A: The primary purpose of VENµS is dual: to perform multispectral imaging for environmental monitoring and to test the performance and durability of a Hall effect thruster in the space environment.

## Why It Matters
VENµS holds significance for its dual mission profile, combining advanced Earth observation with in-orbit technology demonstration. Its multispectral imaging capabilities provide crucial data for environmental monitoring, allowing scientists to track changes in vegetation, land use, and water resources, which is vital for understanding climate change and managing natural environments. Simultaneously, the testing of a Hall effect thruster is critical for advancing space propulsion technology. Hall effect thrusters offer high efficiency for satellite maneuvering and orbit maintenance, potentially enabling longer mission durations and more complex orbital operations for future spacecraft. The collaborative nature of the project, involving both Israeli and French space agencies, underscores the importance of international cooperation in pushing the boundaries of space science and technology, pooling expertise and resources to achieve complex scientific and engineering objectives.

## Notable For
*   Its unique dual mission profile, combining remote sensing via multispectral imaging with the in-orbit testing of a Hall effect thruster.
*   Being a joint project between the Israel Space Agency and the French space agency (CNES), highlighting international collaboration in space.
*   Its specific focus on "Vegetation and Environment monitoring," as indicated by its full name, providing specialized data for environmental studies.
*   Its launch aboard a Vega rocket, a European expendable orbital launch vehicle.

## Body

### Overview
VENµS, an acronym for "Vegetation and Environment monitoring on a New Micro-Satellite," is an Israeli-French remote sensing satellite. It is classified as an Earth observation satellite, specifically designed to observe Earth from orbit. The satellite's mission encompasses both scientific data collection and technological demonstration.

### Mission and Capabilities
The primary functions of VENµS include:
*   **Multispectral Imaging**: The satellite is equipped to perform multispectral imaging, which involves capturing images across multiple specific wavelength bands. This capability is crucial for detailed remote sensing applications, particularly for monitoring vegetation and environmental conditions.
*   **Hall Effect Thruster Testing**: A key technological objective of VENµS is to test a Hall effect thruster in the space environment. This involves evaluating its performance and durability for future propulsion systems.

### Launch and Orbital Parameters
*   **Launch Date**: VENµS was launched on August 2, 2017. This event is also referred to as a rocket launch.
*   **Launch Vehicle**: The satellite was carried into orbit by a Vega rocket, a retired European expendable orbital launch vehicle.
*   **Orbit**: VENµS operates in a low Earth orbit.
*   **Orbital Inclination**: The satellite's orbital inclination is 98.2 degrees.

### Identification and Classification
*   **Aliases**: The satellite is also known by its full name, Vegetation and Environment monitoring on a New Micro-Satellite.
*   **COSPAR ID**: 2017-044B
*   **SCN (Space Catalog Number)**: 42901
*   **Classification**: It is an instance of an Earth observation satellite.

### Operators and Manufacturers
*   **Operators**: VENµS is operated by two space agencies:
    *   Israel Space Agency
    *   CNES (Centre National d'Études Spatiales), the French space agency. CNES was established on December 19, 1961, and is headquartered in Paris, France.
*   **Manufacturers**: The satellite was manufactured by:
    *   Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
    *   Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report