Brest, France SEE FULL PAGE IMAGE   Izmir, Turkey SEE FULL PAGE IMAGE   Limassol, Cyprus SEE FULL PAGE IMAGE   Seoul, South Korea SEE FULL PAGE IMAGE

A commercial satellite launched last month to snap high-resolution images of Earth has beamed back a sample of its picture-taking ability, including views of France, Turkey, Cyprus and South Korea.

ImageSat International's Eros A1 was delivered into orbit on December 5, and has since completed the first phase of In Orbit Testing with all systems and sub-systems equaling or exceeding anticipated performance specifications, the company says.

"We have received a very positive response to the imagery from highly experienced partners and customers in the remote sensing industry," said Jacob Weiss, CEO of ImageSat International. "We have already begun receiving a substantial number of requests for orders, which is a validation of the market need for high-resolution imagery."

During the balance of January and February, ImageSat will continue the integration and testing of its worldwide ground systems, including interactive testing between the space and ground segments. Full commercial operation is anticipated to commence in March.

"ImageSat combines state-of-the-art technologies for light, extremely agile, high-resolution satellites," said Moshe Bar Lev, president of ImageSat International. "Together with diversified on-line electronic browsing, distribution and electronic-commerce, we are able to provide customers with cost effective, quick and easy access to global high-resolution information."

ImageSat's EROS A1, built by Israel Aircraft Industry's MBT Division, is the world's first lightweight (250kg) commercial satellite capable of real time high-resolution earth observation. The satellite is highly agile and offers the maximum flexibility in site-specific image acquisition. This capability, combined with ISI's global networked ground infrastructure, emphasizes timely customer access to commercial high-resolution imagery for the first time. EROS A1 supports image acquisition in either 1.8 meter "Standard" or 1 meter over-sampled "OS" mode.