Israel’s first ever environmental research satellite was launched without incident during the night of Wednesday 10 Av, from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

The satellite is a joint involving the Israel Space Agency (ISA) and the French Space Agency (CNES). The satellite was built in Israel by the ISA.

The satellite is going to monitor and study soil, vegetation, forests, agriculture, water and air quality, and reportedly, it is the smallest of its kind in the world, weighing a mere 265kg. environmental satellites are gaining importance as we face growing environmental issues on earth, including waning natural resources. An estimated 300 environmental satellites will be operating within the coming four years.

OPTSTAT-3000 is the second satellite, a military observation satellite for the Italian military. the private launch company Arianespace launched both satellites, which were constructed by Israel Aerospace Industries.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)