More than six months after the space launch of Eros-1, constructed by Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), ImageSat today started marketing the satellite’s services over the Internet.
ImageSat (the company responsible for marketing the satellite’s services), said it was beginning “an advance experimental program for selling products and services.”
The company invited potential customers, such as satellite photograph distributors, to participate in the experimental program. The company allows users to view an electronic catalogue, make an order, manage an account, and hook up to distribution systems through the Internet.
A senior ImageSat executive said today: “Before the launch we examined several scenarios, including pessimistic ones, on the satellite’s functioning. We completed the technical set-up and the archives. Now we’re assuming responsibility for the satellite.”
Customers can receive the satellite’s services from all reception stations around the world or from the central archives in Limassol, Cyprus. Registration is free, and the company pledged to maintain the confidentiality of all customer information fed into its system.
ImageSat said that at this stage it could place at users’ disposal “a very limited pool” of photographs assembled in recent months during the satellite’s experimental stage.
Customers seeking to receive satellite photographs of specific geographic areas as soon as possible will be charged $1,500. The customer will commit to paying the sum for the required photographs even if it eventually turns out that they do not suit his needs.
Eros-1, based on Israel’s military satellite Ofek 3, was launched on December 5, 2000 using a Russian missile. Since its space launch, its systems have been checked and photographs have been taken of sites in various countries. The satellite’s lifespan is several years.
ImageSat is registered in the Antilles, and owned by IAI (31%), ELOP (9%) and foreign entities (60%), including CST (Core Software Technology) of the US.
ImageSat recently completed a $93 million financing round in the US. US investment company Pegasus Capital Advisors led the round, which also included other financial investors from Europe and the US.
Published by Israel's Business Arena on 23 July, 2001