Very high resolution (VHR) electro-optical surveillance satellite — sub-meter imagery, Israeli space-based intelligence heritage, designed for national security and reconnaissance missions.
OPTSAT-3000 Electro-Optical Satellite
Very high resolution (VHR) electro-optical surveillance satellite — sub-meter imagery, Israeli space-based intelligence heritage, designed for national security and reconnaissance missions.
Description
The OPTSAT-3000 is Elbit Systems' very high resolution (VHR) Earth observation satellite, designed for defense and intelligence applications requiring precise imagery of small targets and infrastructure. The satellite delivers sub-meter panchromatic imagery with multispectral capability in a compact platform designed for agile tasking over priority areas.
The system was developed by Elbit Systems for the Italian Air Force (AMI) under a bilateral Italian-Israeli cooperation program, providing Italy with sovereign space-based reconnaissance capability. The satellite is operated by the AMI from dedicated ground stations in Italy and provides national imagery intelligence to support Italian defense, border security, and emergency management requirements.
Elbit Systems leverages decades of experience in electro-optical payloads for airborne intelligence platforms — including a wide range of FLIR systems, COMINT receivers, and sensor fusion solutions — to develop the high-performance imaging payloads integrated into space-based reconnaissance systems. The company also develops ground exploitation systems, secure data links, and integrated intelligence solutions to convert raw satellite imagery into actionable intelligence products.
Specifications
| Resolution | Sub-meter (VHR), panchromatic |
|---|---|
| Orbit | Sun-synchronous LEO |
| Customer | Italian Air Force (AMI) / defense customers |
| Payload Type | Electro-optical (VIS/NIR) |
| Applications | Defense intelligence, reconnaissance, border surveillance |