Israel’s Elbit launches new space camera: 'One of the most advanced systems in the world'

Elbit Systems launched a new space camera into orbit on Wednesday. The camera, JUPITER, was carried aboard the NAOS satellite (National Advanced Optical System), which supports a wide range of Earth observation missions, including military operations, environmental monitoring, and scientific research.

The satellite, manufactured by OHB Italia S.p.A, was launched last night from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from SpaceX. Cameras from KAN 11 were present during the launch preparations.

The camera, developed by Elbit Systems’ Intelligence and EW (Elop) Division, is one of the most advanced space cameras in the world, featuring an exceptionally large optical aperture and a lightweight design.

Designed for mission-critical performance across air, land and sea, Elbit Systems’ SPECTRO XR electro-optical payload delivers actionable intelligence in real time, even in degraded visual environments.
This footage was captured through cloud cover, from 23 km away, demonstrating… pic.twitter.com/0TEODBQqbc

— Elbit Systems (@ElbitSystemsLtd) August 25, 2025

The data produced by the JUPITER camera is designed to integrate seamlessly with satellite systems and ground stations, and is compatible with advanced image processing engines and artificial intelligence systems. This enables the extraction of operational insights to support informed decision-making across a wide range of fields.

According to Elbit, this is "one of the most advanced space-based optical observation systems in the world."