SpaceX F9 : EROS C3 #1 : Vandenberg : 29/30 December 2022 (07:38 UTC)

[gongora]

Thread for launch of the first EROS C3 satellite.

Launch on December 29, 2022, at 11:38 pm PST (07:38 UTC on the 30th).

First stage is 1061-11.  Successful first stage landing at LZ-4.


https://defense-update.com/20220606_ofek16-spysat.html

Another operator of the OPSAT300 platform is Imagesat International, operating the EROS NG constellation that, by 2026, will comprise six Ultra High performance, military-grade earth observation satellites. ... By the second half of 2022, Imagesat expects to deploy its satellite, the first of two EROS C3 satellites. The second is scheduled to enter service in 2026.

EROS-C3 is also based on the OPSAT-3000 platform, but it will deploy with multispectral sensing capability. This satellite will maintain 38 cm resolution in the PAN and add the MS capability with 76 cm resolution, covering a swath of ~12.5 km. .... EROS-C3 will be launched from the USA on a Falcon-9 launcher.

(h/t to Alex)

[Fmedici]

Thread for launch of the first EROS C3 satellite.

Launch scheduled for December 28, 2022 at 5:58pm PST (01:58 UTC on the 29th)


https://defense-update.com/20220606_ofek16-spysat.html

Another operator of the OPSAT300 platform is Imagesat International, operating the EROS NG constellation that, by 2026, will comprise six Ultra High performance, military-grade earth observation satellites. ... By the second half of 2022, Imagesat expects to deploy its satellite, the first of two EROS C3 satellites. The second is scheduled to enter service in 2026.

EROS-C3 is also based on the OPSAT-3000 platform, but it will deploy with multispectral sensing capability. This satellite will maintain 38 cm resolution in the PAN and add the MS capability with 76 cm resolution, covering a swath of ~12.5 km. .... EROS-C3 will be launched from the USA on a Falcon-9 launcher.

(h/t to Alex)

It seems to be in conflict with the launch of SARah-2 and SARah-3 which is scheduled for the 30th (here: https://www.spacearchive.info/vafbsked.htm)

[crandles57]

Thread for launch of the first EROS C3 satellite.

Launch scheduled for December 28, 2022 at 5:58pm PST (01:58 UTC on the 29th)

NextSpaceflight has 6:58 UTC, so wondering if you have different quotable source for 1:58UTC.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Thread for launch of the first EROS C3 satellite.

Launch scheduled for December 28, 2022 at 5:58pm PST (01:58 UTC on the 29th)

NextSpaceflight has 6:58 UTC, so wondering if you have different quotable source for 1:58UTC.

I asked Alex and he said the time is 10:58 pm EST = 06:58 UTC.

[Chinakpradhan]

any FCC STA request for this launch??

[GewoonLukas_]

any FCC STA request for this launch??

There are 2 STA requests for Vandenberg in December. Both are RTLS. 1 NET Early-December, 1 NET Late-December. The Early-December one is likely for SWOT, with the Late-December one likely being for this launch.

RTLS from Vandy, NET early December.  Kinda lines up with SWOT.
1752-EX-ST-2022

Mission 1507 from Vandy NET late December, no ASDS
1870-EX-ST-2022

[Alexphysics]

Thread for launch of the first EROS C3 satellite.

Launch scheduled for December 28, 2022 at 5:58pm PST (01:58 UTC on the 29th)

NextSpaceflight has 6:58 UTC, so wondering if you have different quotable source for 1:58UTC.

I asked Alex and he said the time is 10:58 pm EST = 06:58 UTC.

PST not EST

[azrokcrlr]

Is this RTLS?

[GewoonLukas_]

Is this RTLS?

Yes

[gongora]

It seems to be in conflict with the launch of SARah-2 and SARah-3 which is scheduled for the 30th (here: https://www.spacearchive.info/vafbsked.htm)

I wish people would stop confusing notional dates on random internet launch schedules with actual scheduled dates.

[azrokcrlr]

Is this RTLS?

Yes

Awesome! Thanks!

[crandles57]

Per https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/7047
will be on B1061.11

[kdhilliard]

Do we know when (or if?) EROS C3 was delivered to Vandenberg for integration?

[raptorx2]

Per https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/7047
will be on B1061.11

1061.11 Starlink was upright on SLC-4E and OCISLY was on station in the Pacific when on Nov. 18th when it was cancelled.

>>>>>>>>
"Standing down from tomorrow's launch of Starlink to take a closer look at data from static fire; will announce a new target launch date once confirmed. [Nov 18 UTC]"
<<<<<<

EROS C3 wasn't even on the Rideshare list (only 400kg) in November
On Dec. 14th . 1061.11 changed from Starlink to EROS. 
It appears that someone wants this or something on-orbit rather quickly. Or is there an additional  lightweight payload due to RTLS?

[zubenelgenubi]

EROS C3 wasn't even on the Rideshare list (only 400kg) in November.

Not on a public-knowledge list.

This is an optical reconnaissance satellite (or maybe dual-use, I don't know).  There is likely a minimum of open information due to Israeli national security concerns.

EROS C1 and C2 are already on orbit.  We don't know what satellites they are or who partnered with the Israeli national security establishment.

https://defense-update.com/20220606_ofek16-spysat.html [June 6]

The first step in this plan is the reuse of two operational satellites – designated by Imagesat as EROS C1 and C[2]. These satellites are believed to be two Israeli-operated satellites, providing imaging over areas of interest for the primary Israeli operator.

See also Gunter's entry: EROS C3

Do we know when (or if?) EROS C3 was delivered to Vandenberg for integration?

Ditto regarding this question.

[Skyrocket]

This is an optical reconnaissance satellite (or maybe dual-use, I don't know).  There is likely a minimum of open information due to Israeli national security concerns.

EROS C1 and C2 are already on orbit.  We don't know what satellites they are or who partnered with the Israeli national security establishment.

https://defense-update.com/20220606_ofek16-spysat.html [June 6]

The first step in this plan is the reuse of two operational satellites – designated by Imagesat as EROS C1 and C[2]. These satellites are believed to be two Israeli-operated satellites, providing imaging over areas of interest for the primary Israeli operator.

See also Gunter's entry: https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eros-c3.htm

The most likely candidates for EROS C1 and EROS C2 are Ofeq 16 and Ofeq 11 respectively, but official confirmation on this is lacking.

[raptorx2]

EROS C3 wasn't even on the Rideshare list (only 400kg) in November.

Not on a public-knowledge list.

This is an optical reconnaissance satellite (or maybe dual-use, I don't know).  There is likely a minimum of open information due to Israeli national security concerns.

EROS C1 and C2 are already on orbit.  We don't know what satellites they are or who partnered with the Israeli national security establishment.

https://defense-update.com/20220606_ofek16-spysat.html [June 6]

The first step in this plan is the reuse of two operational satellites – designated by Imagesat as EROS C1 and C[2]. These satellites are believed to be two Israeli-operated satellites, providing imaging over areas of interest for the primary Israeli operator.

See also Gunter's entry: https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eros-c3.htm

Do we know when (or if?) EROS C3 was delivered to Vandenberg for integration?

Ditto regarding this question.

Ditto.  Incorrect naming convention on Initial Thread Title.  I didn't think it was a big issue???  We all knew what was being discussed. 

EROS-C3-1 400kg + Dispenser (RTLS LZ-3)
Oneweb Qty 40 satellites total ~4700kg. + Dispenser, also (RTLS).  -4,000kg of available mass??  What else is going up with this launch?

[Ken the Bin]

NGA notice.  Note that the Primary Day is December 30 UTC (December 29 PST), not December 29 UTC.

240203Z DEC 22
NAVAREA XII 979/22(18).
EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.
CALIFORNIA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
   300648Z TO 301036Z DEC 22, ALTERNATE
   0648Z TO 1036Z DAILY 01 THRU 04 JAN 23
   IN AREA BOUND BY
   34-38.00N 120-55.00W, 34-43.00N 120-41.00W,
   34-43.00N 120-27.00W, 34-29.00N 120-28.00W,
   34-03.00N 121-49.00W, 33-19.00N 123-50.00W,
   33-11.00N 123-55.00W, 32-50.00N 124-48.00W,
   33-15.00N 124-58.00W, 33-34.00N 124-08.00W,
   33-30.00N 123-55.00W, 34-07.00N 122-08.00W,
   34-23.00N 121-32.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 041136Z JAN 23.

[GewoonLukas_]

NGA notice.  Note that the Primary Day is December 30 UTC (December 29 PST), not December 29 UTC.

240203Z DEC 22
NAVAREA XII 979/22(18).
EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.
CALIFORNIA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
   300648Z TO 301036Z DEC 22, ALTERNATE
   0648Z TO 1036Z DAILY 01 THRU 04 JAN 23
   IN AREA BOUND BY
   34-38.00N 120-55.00W, 34-43.00N 120-41.00W,
   34-43.00N 120-27.00W, 34-29.00N 120-28.00W,
   34-03.00N 121-49.00W, 33-19.00N 123-50.00W,
   33-11.00N 123-55.00W, 32-50.00N 124-48.00W,
   33-15.00N 124-58.00W, 33-34.00N 124-08.00W,
   33-30.00N 123-55.00W, 34-07.00N 122-08.00W,
   34-23.00N 121-32.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 041136Z JAN 23.

NextSpaceflight (Updated December 24th)
Launch NET Friday, December 30th 2022, 06:58 UTC
https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/7047

[OneSpeed]

NGA notice.  Note that the Primary Day is December 30 UTC (December 29 PST), not December 29 UTC.

LHA map from the NGA notice. The coordinates are in a strange order, and not grouped into areas in the usual way. Assuming I have interpreted them correctly, LHA B. for fairing recovery and/or failed boostback burn is about 380km downrange.

[raptorx2]

NGA notice.  Note that the Primary Day is December 30 UTC (December 29 PST), not December 29 UTC.

LHA map from the NGA notice. The coordinates are in a strange order, and not grouped into areas in the usual way. Assuming I have interpreted them correctly, LHA B. for fairing recovery and/or failed boostback burn is about 380km downrange.

I thought EROS C3-1 is supposed to be in a 510km SSO?

[OneSpeed]

I thought EROS C3-1 is supposed to be in a 510km SSO?

Perhaps there will be a substantial second stage dogleg as per SWOT?

[Galactic Penguin SST]

I thought EROS C3-1 is supposed to be in a 510km SSO?

Perhaps there will be a substantial second stage dogleg as per SWOT?

More likely this is going to a retrograde orbit as with all those Israeli spysats (the Ofeq series), due to drop zone restrictions from Israel they all reside in 141-143 degrees inclination orbits, and this drop zone seems to fit with it too.

[Comga]

I thought EROS C3-1 is supposed to be in a 510km SSO?

Perhaps there will be a substantial second stage dogleg as per SWOT?

More likely this is going to a retrograde orbit as with all those Israeli spysats (the Ofeq series), due to drop zone restrictions from Israel they all reside in 141-143 degrees inclination orbits, and this drop zone seems to fit with it too.

The retrograde orbits of satellites launched from Israel is a defect motivated by geopolitical concerns.
This implies that it has become a feature worthy of replicating when it is no longer necessary.
Why would that be?
Synchronization with the on-orbit Ofeq satellites?

(It is not a serious suggestion that because Hebrew is written from right to left that the Israelis launch from right to left.😉)

[raptorx2]

I thought EROS C3-1 is supposed to be in a 510km SSO?

Perhaps there will be a substantial second stage dogleg as per SWOT?

Starlink V2.0 ITU approved at 148-degree inclination?  They only need 2 on-orbit VBand for ITU Spectrum Priority to beat Kuiper launch in Feb.

[OceanCat]

I thought EROS C3-1 is supposed to be in a 510km SSO?

Perhaps there will be a substantial second stage dogleg as per SWOT?

Starlink V2.0 ITU approved at 148-degree inclination?  They only need 2 on-orbit VBand for ITU Spectrum Priority to beat Kuiper launch in Feb.

They only applied for Ku, Ka, and E-band at 148-degree inclination with ITU.

[catdlr]

Launch Alert <[email protected]>
5:25 AM
to launch-alert

A Falcon 9 rocket carrying an Israeli satellite may take place from Vandenberg Space Force Base late Thursday evening (December 29). The vehicle is tentatively scheduled to lift off from the south base at 22:58 (10:58 p.m.) PST and carry the EROS C3 Earth imaging spacecraft into orbit. Plans call for the rocket's first stage to return to Vandenberg and touch down in Landing Zone 4. If the sky is clear, the launch could be visible for hundreds of miles.

There is uncertainty about whether this launch is actually scheduled for Thursday evening. One official public source says it is, but another official public source does not mention it. It is possible the launch may not be officially scheduled until later today or tomorrow.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/spaceoffshore/status/1608113291263361027

Final SpaceX launch of 2022!

West Coast fairing recovery ship NRC Quest is underway for the EROS-C3 mission. Booster will return and land at LZ-4.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/hkpmsn/status/1608136167287062529

Forecast for visibility of tomorrow Dec 29th 10:58pm PST launch of EROC-C3 from SLC-4E and RTLS at LZ-4 has improved significantly. 32% low clouds but still about 22% chance of rain about 1/8th in/hr

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/raul74cz/status/1608219810915049473

LHA map for #EROS C3-1 mission from VSFB SLC-4E NET 30 Dec 06:58 UTC, alternatively 01 to 04 Jan based on issued NOTMAR. Retrograde launch azimuth. LZ-4 landing for booster 1061.11. Estimated fairing recovery position approximately 388km downrange. https://bit.do/LHA22

[gongora]

Replacement NOTMAR adds the 31st (UTC) as a backup day

[gongora]

Alex pointed out that this looks suspiciously like something for EROS C3, and it might make total sense if you just replace the words "Rocket Launching" with "Space Debris".

282311Z DEC 22
NAVAREA IV 1403/22(24,25,51).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
   300822Z TO 301120Z DEC 22, ALTERNATE
   0822Z TO 1120Z DAILY 31 DEC THRU 04 JAN 23
   IN AREA BOUND BY
   28-37.00N 049-23.00W, 26-51.00N 050-35.00W,
   22-51.00N 043-14.00W, 24-37.00N 042-05.00W.
2. CANCEL NAVAREA IV 1386/22.
3. CANCEL THIS MSG 041220Z JAN 23.

[Alexphysics]

I asked Declan from Flight Club to simulate a launch following the launch hazard zones and compare the resulting orbit against that hazard zone in the Atlantic and it looks to be close enough. Here's the simulation from his website: https://flightclub.io/result/3d?simulationId=sim_1iywtk5le

Edit: The sim is still being tweaked btw, that is not the final version so it's not 100% high fidelity. It should be once SpaceX releases timings and things like that

[SpaceFinnOriginal]

Any updates on the launch? SpaceX web site does not have info about the launch.

[mfoster]

weather is not looking good at all.

[VLN]

Any updates on the launch? SpaceX web site does not have info about the launch.

Crumbs spilled from the table:
https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_spt.jsp

SPACEX EROS C (DO-2229), VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, CA
                     AHA A      AHA B
PRIMARY:   12/30   0703-0856   0822-0940

BACKUP:   12/31   0722-0916   0841-1000   
          01/01   0743-0936   0902-1020
          01/02   0803-0956   0922-1040
          01/03   0823-1016   0942-1100
          01/04   0843-1036   1002-1120

"AHA A" appears to be the launch at VSFB and "AHA B" the debris from stage 2, as posted above.
This suggests
* the launch time is 15 min after the start of the NGA window(s)
* there is ~20 min/day advance of launch time with date

[Josh_from_Canada]

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/spacex/status/1608621257804898304

Falcon 9 is vertical on pad 4E in California ahead of tonight’s targeted launch of the @ImageSatIntl EROS C-3 mission; weather forecast is currently 30% favorable for liftoff at 11:17 p.m. PT → http://spacex.com/launches

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=ISI-EROS-C-3

SpaceX is targeting Thursday, December 29 for launch of the ISI EROS C-3 mission to a low-earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The 56-minute launch window opens at 11:17 p.m. PT (07:17 UTC on December 30). A backup launch opportunity is available on Friday, December 30 with a 56-minute window opening at 11:37 p.m. PT (07:37 UTC on December 31).

The Falcon 9 first stage booster supporting this mission previously launched Crew-1, Crew-2, SXM-8, CRS-23, IXPE, Transporter-4, Transporter-5, Globalstar FM15, and two Starlink missions. After stage separation, the first stage will land on Landing Zone 4 (LZ-4) at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

A live webcast of this mission will begin about 15 minutes prior to liftoff.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/spaceoffshore/status/1608627076445401090

NRC Quest is 380 km downrange to recover the fairing for the EROS-C3 mission tonight.

Weather is 30% go but a 56-minute launch window could provide some options.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

This is an optical reconnaissance satellite (or maybe dual-use, I don't know).  There is likely a minimum of open information due to Israeli national security concerns.

EROS C1 and C2 are already on orbit.  We don't know what satellites they are or who partnered with the Israeli national security establishment.

https://defense-update.com/20220606_ofek16-spysat.html [June 6]

The first step in this plan is the reuse of two operational satellites – designated by Imagesat as EROS C1 and C[2]. These satellites are believed to be two Israeli-operated satellites, providing imaging over areas of interest for the primary Israeli operator.

See also Gunter's entry: https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eros-c3.htm

The most likely candidates for EROS C1 and EROS C2 are Ofeq 16 and Ofeq 11 respectively, but official confirmation on this is lacking.

I do wonder if we can confirm it, e.g. by checking if either of them pass over Eastern China on favorable lighting conditions on October 19:
https://twitter.com/imagesatintl/status/1583162353725493248?s=46&t=hEalQvjPUWlt0mwxD7rF7w

[Galactic Penguin SST]

https://twitter.com/spacex/status/1608708960235958273

[Steven Pietrobon]

Mission control audio.

T-38 minutes. The SpaceX launch director should be giving a go to start propellant loading about now.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-35 minutes. First and second stage RP-1 loading and first stage LOX loading should be starting about now.

"Launch autosequence has started."

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-20 minutes. Second stage RP-1 loading is complete.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-16 minutes. Second stage LOX loading has started.

[soltasto]

"Press kit" capture with OCR

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-9 minutes. SpaceX webcast has begun. No fog!

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-7 minutes. Engine chill has started.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-6 minutes. First stage RP-1 load is complete. ISI promo video.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-5 minutes. Hidden runways in South America.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-4 minutes. Erector is retracting.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-3 minutes. First stage LOX load is complete.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-2 minutes. Second stage LOX load is complete.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-1 minute. Falcon 9 is in startup.

LD is go for launch.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Liftoff!

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/1608729350098284546

Launch! SpaceX's final launch of the year - a busy one at that:

[cpushack]

callout right before launch 'Payload Chill'

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+1 minute.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+2 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

First stage separation.

Boostback burn.

Fairing separation.

T+3 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+4 minutes. Nominal trajectories.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+5 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+6 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Entry burn.

T+7 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Touchdown!

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+9 minutes.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/1608731466640523264

RTLS touchdown at LZ-4. Final SpaceX launch of the year and another successful booster landing. 11th complete launch and landing for Falcon 9 B1061.

160 recoveries for Falcon rockets in total.

SpaceX Webcast:
youtube.com/watch?v=V0OQfu…

[Steven Pietrobon]

Cutoff. Nominal orbit insertion.

[sdsds]

MVac image just before shutdown.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/alexphysics13/status/1608731930190614530

And my favorite stat: 86th successful landing in a row since the last landing failure

[Steven Pietrobon]

Upcoming event.

00:14:46    ISI EROS C-3 deploys

AOS Hawaii.

[Steven Pietrobon]

One minute to separation.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Separation!

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/spacex/status/1608733084702380034

Deployment of @ImageSatIntl EROS C-3 confirmed

[Steven Pietrobon]

End of SpaceX webcast.

Congratulations to SpaceX and ISI for the successful launch!

Happy New Year to one and all. :-)

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Congratulations to SpaceX and ISI! 🎉

A stellar year for SpaceX with 61 missions all complete successes; way beyond what most of us thought a year ago! Can’t wait to see what  they achieve in 2023.

[zubenelgenubi]

Thank you, Steven, for your launch thread coverage!

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1608735844478902274

Launch 61 of 2022. Congrats SpaceX!

[zubenelgenubi]

This was also the last orbital launch of 2022 for planet Earth! 🌏 🌍 🌎

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/teslarati/status/1608743604473958401

SpaceX ties 42-year-old Soviet record with last launch of 2022 https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-ties-42-year-old-record-last-launch-2022/ by @13ericralph31

From the article:

In 1980, after two decades of gradual buildup, the Soviet Union managed to launch variants of its R-7 workhorse rocket 64 times in one calendar year. 61 of those launches were successful, setting a record that has been left unchallenged for decades.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/whoisheartbreak/status/1608746272021970944

Wow what an impeccable year!! 61 launches 🤯 i am so proud of our team for overcoming so many challenges and coming together to do something so incredible 🙏🏽🚀

[scr00chy]

https://twitter.com/_rykllan/status/1608746042081824775

[GWR64]

@ImageSatIntl
It’s official! We’re pleased to announce that #EROSC3 was successfully launched into orbit by @SpaceX!
#EROSC3 is the newest member of ISI's EROS-NG™ constellation and the world's first sub-meter Multi-Spectral EO Satellite. Stay tuned for more updates . . . 📡🛰🚀

https://twitter.com/ImageSatIntl/status/1608739610859036673

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Completely forgot that with this launch SpaceX has for the first time achieved 7 launches in a calendar month!

[scr00chy]

Pics from SpaceX website

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/imagesatintl/status/1608819402404933632

Thrilled to announce that EROS-C3 entered its orbit around Earth and began transmitting data to the ground station. Noam Segal, ISI's CEO:  "The launch of  EROS-C3 today is a significant milestone for ISI, and will enable us to accelerate the company’s growth."
#EROSC3

[Galactic Penguin SST]

2022-179A/54880 in 485 x 503 km x 139.36°

[ChrisC]

I'm a little surprised that they let us see the satellite (both after fairing sep and after deploy), considering the defense / intel mission, but am glad they did!

[Vettedrmr]

I thought EROS was commercial, not military.

[russianhalo117]

I thought EROS was commercial, not military.

The dual purpose spacecraft is also used for separate OFEK military constellation.

https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eros-c3.htm

[zubenelgenubi]

Launch time to the second?

[Skyrocket]

I thought EROS was commercial, not military.

The dual purpose spacecraft is also used for separate OFEK military constellation.

https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eros-c3.htm

Both earlier Ofeq and EROS satellites have been shown. So this is not really a surprise.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/spacex/status/1608888254761422851

Falcon 9 launched the @ImageSatIntl EROS C-3 mission to orbit overnight, completing SpaceX’s 61st and final launch of 2022 — nearly double our record of 31 launches set last year

[Comet]

.

[Comet]

.

[Comet]

.

[freda]

Cutoff. Nominal orbit insertion.

As a low-contributing lurker I am certainly in no position to ask, but with this relatively low angle non-polar retrograde launch, it would be interesting to compare it with the frequent launch data plots we sometimes see for other launches. You know, performance differences due to not benefiting from the extra velocity seen in a generally eastern path, etc. And in my own mind, the launch profile image up-thread might be more accurately depicted if flipped L-R? Just thoughts. Either way, that westward track is interesting to see. Has SpaceX launched this prominent of a low-angle non-polar retrograde path before?

[crandles57]

Re last question
Wikipedia says

This was the first SpaceX launch to a non-sun-synchronous retrograde orbit targetting an ~140° inclination orbit.

though it seems to be lacking a reference for this.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Falcon_9_and_Falcon_Heavy_launches#2022

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/imagesatintl/status/1608917111136747520

Hi @elonmusk. We just wanted to say thank you for the successful launch today! Your success, our success.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/inbarspace/status/1608894309549625344

Israel's new eye in the sky - EROS C-3, built by @ILAerospaceIAI for @ImageSatIntl . Launched by @SpaceX Falcon 9 this morning (Israel time). Impressive satellite - just wait for images it will provide...in very high resolution and colors.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/ticklestuffyo/status/1608976060674375680

This is the @SpaceX patch for the ISI EROS C-3 launch yesterday.

[OneSpeed]

The EROS-C3 mission profile comprised a so far unique combination of attributes for a SpaceX mission:

1. The highest retrograde orbital inclination so far of 139.36°.
2. Direct injection to a nearly circular 485km x 503km orbit.
3. Booster RTLS.
4. No doglegs.
5. ~400kg payload.

The closest SpaceX mission profile to this I can find is Formosat-5 from August 2017. Formosat-5 flew to a less expensive SSO (97°) inclination, a slightly higher 730km x 717km orbit, landed the booster on an ASDS, also performed no doglegs, and delivered a similar 475kg payload.

In 2017 the telemetry was usually from the second stage only, although Formosat-5 did switch briefly to the booster landing after SECO. This comparison is purely from second stage data.

Some points of interest are:

1. The EROS-C3 booster had more thrust for the entire boost stage, and MECO is sooner for that reason, as well as because she reserved propellant for the boostback burn.

2. The EROS-C3 second stage had greater thrust for the first half of her burn, then throttled back significantly. Formosat-5 limited acceleration to about 3.5g in terminal guidance, whereas EROS-C3 SECO was at about 5g.

3. In summary, although Formosat-5 was delivered to a higher altitude, EROS-C3 was delivered to a more retrograde orbit, as well as returning the booster to the launch site, a testament to improved overall performance over the last 5 years of Falcon 9 operations.

[Targeteer]

https://twitter.com/ILAerospaceIAI/status/1608776590607142917

[Targeteer]

Any thoughts on the functions(s) of the 3 appendages with what appear to be mirrors and possible antennas?