A Falcon 9v1.2FT Block 5 rocket operated by SpaceX has launched the Israeli EROS C3 reconnaissance/Earth observation satellite into a retrograde low Earth orbit of 503 x 485 km at 139.4 degrees inclination from the Vandenberg launch site in California, USA. The launch was originally planned to take place at 0717 GMT on 30 December but was delayed by weather until 0738 GMT. The Falcon 9’s reusable first stage, B1061 on its 11th flight, landed at Landing Zone 4 at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The ImageSat International-owned EROS C3 spacecraft is the latest in long series of Israeli-built OFEQ and EROS reconnaissance spacecraft.
This was the 61st SpaceX orbital attempt by its Falcon 9/Falcon Heavy fleet. This is likely to be the last orbital launch of the year by all.
EROS C3 is launched towards its retrograde orbit by a Falcon 9v1.2FT Block 5 rocket. Courtesy: SpaceX
