French commercial launch service provider Arianespace has launched the PerúSAT-1, the first earth observation satellite by Peruvian space agency CONIDA, from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana.

Built by Airbus Defence and Space in Toulouse, France, PerúSAT-1 will operate from Sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 695km and provide high-resolution images from across the planet.

Weighing 430kg at lift-off, the satellite has a lifespan of ten years.

Launched aboard Vega rocket, the PerúSAT-1 was also joined by four other satellites, namely SkySat-4, SkySat-5, SkySat-6 and SkySat-7, for US-based operator and Google subsidiary Terra Bella.

Manufactured by Space Systems Loral (SSL) and designed by Terra Bella, the SkySats satellites will provide very-high-resolution maps of the Earth.

"The satellites will also provide 3D mapping of the entire planet."

Positioned in a Sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 500km, the satellites will also provide 3D mapping of the entire planet.

The company said that its Vega launch vehicle, which is primarily suitable for Earth observation market, has also won nine launch orders.

Arianespace has so far launched 59 satellites for Earth observation or meteorology markets.

Image: Vega launches four SkySats satellites and PerúSAT-1 satellite. Photo: courtesy of Arianespace.