Russian commercial launch company Launch Services, which markets launches of the Cosmos 3M and Start 1 boosters, has been awarded a $24 million contract by the West Indian Space company to launch three Israeli-built satellites.
The 300kg (660lb), high-resolution remote-sensing Eros satellites will be boosted into orbit by Start 1 refurbished military missiles, from Svobodny, in far-eastern Russia, starting in December.
West Indian Space, which plans five more satellites, is a joint venture of Israel Aircraft Industries and US software company Core. The Eros civil satellites will supply images to the Israeli Ministry of Defence, and commercial companies.
Source: Flight International
