Project Vanguard
How the U.S. Navy's Vanguard rocket became a Cold War icon, launched the world's oldest satellite still in orbit, and laid the groundwork for NASA's space exploration efforts.
EROS B (29079)
COSPAR: 2006-014A | Alt Name: EROS B
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 25, 2006
Launch Site
SVOBO
Launch Pad
LC5
Launch Vehicle
Start-1
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
29079
International Designator
2006-014A
Decay Date
2/5/2026
Basic Satellite Info
Name
EROS B
Alternative Name
EROS B
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
IMAGT
Country
Israel
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
EROS B is an Earth observation satellite operated by IMAGT and manufactured by IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries). It was launched on April 25, 2006, from the SVOBO launch site using a Start-1 launch vehicle from LC5. The spacecraft, based on the OPSAT-2000 Bus configuration, measures 2.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 1.2 meters with a span of 3.6 meters. EROS B weighs 290 kg at launch and has a dry mass of 250 kg. It is equipped with two deployable fixed solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The satellite's mission is to provide Earth observation data, and its operational lifetime was projected to last 10 years. Its shape consists of a taper cylinder with two panels, and it features an RCS (Reaction Control System) value of 0.645.
Physical Characteristics
Length
2.3
Diameter
1.2
Span
3.6
Dry Mass
250
Launch Mass
290
Shape
Taper Cyl + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
0.645
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
EROS B
Purpose
Earth observation
Mission
Earth observation
Manufacturer
IAI
Life Expectancy
10 years
Bus
Ofeq
Configuration
OPSAT-2000 Bus
Motor
?
Equipment
?
Power System
2 deployable fixed solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 10 Apr 2025
Key topics today include the US Space Force's new international strategy, China's partnership with Pakistan for astronaut training, and conservation concerns over SpaceX landing proposals.
Falcon 9 Booster Sets 33-Flight Reuse Record, X Report 23 Feb 2026
Falcon 9 booster reuse record: SpaceX's most-flown booster flew a 33rd flight Feb 21 with 28 Starlink V2 Minis. Two launches in a day; 9,779 on orbit.
Space Brief 7 Oct 2025
Explore the latest in satellite communications with Cubic's new terminals, strategic acquisitions by Firefly, China's IoT satellite achievements, and key military updates.
Tianlong-3 Fails on Debut; SpaceX Wins $178.5M Space Force Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief
China's Tianlong-3 rocket failed during ascent on debut launch Friday. SpaceX secured $178.5M Space Force contract for missile tracking satellite launches beginning 2027.
Crew-11 Medical Evacuation Set for January 14, Starlink Mission Succeeds | KeepTrack X Report
NASA confirms first-ever ISS medical evacuation for January 14 via Crew Dragon. SpaceX launches 29 Starlink satellites in third mission of 2026. Artemis 2 moon mission timeline unaffected.
The Day the Soviets Built a World in Orbit
Forty years ago today, the USSR launched a 20-ton aluminum cylinder into low Earth orbit and called it 'Peace.' Over the next 15 years, Mir would host 104 people from 12 countries, survive a fire and a collision, and quietly teach humanity how to live in space.
X Report 14 Nov 2025
SpaceX progresses on Starship testing while Rocket Lab delays its Neutron rocket debut, potentially impacting the competitive landscape in space launches.