Israel launches Ofek 10 radar-based spy satellite

[500]

Israel launches Ofek 10 radar-based spy satellite

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
04/09/2014 23:34

IAI and Defense Ministry launch satellite that can take photos of Earth targets irrespective of weather conditions.

The Defense Ministry and Israeli Aircraft Industries launched a spy satellite into orbit from Palmahim Air Base on Wednesday night.

The satellite, called Ofek 10, uses radar systems for observation. It was carried into space by a Shavit (“Comet”) launch vehicle.

It soon entered orbit, and is scheduled to undergo a series of checks to ensure that key functions are working correctly.

The SAR (Synthetic aperture radar) satellite has advanced day and night photography capabilities, and will work in all weather conditions, the Defense Ministry said.

The launch was jointly carried out by IAI and the Defense Ministry’s Space Administration, which is a part of the Administration for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure.

Israel maintains an extensive spy satellite program, which has seen the Defense Ministry invest hundreds of millions of shekels a year in space development and the satellite industry.

Defense officials said the program significantly upgrades the nation’s strategic capabilities, and strengthens the hi-tech sector. The first Israeli military satellite, Ofek 1, went into space in 1988.

Israel launches Ofek 10 radar-based spy satellite | JPost | Israel News

 

[jarves]

Didnt Israel already had these type of satellites??

 

[Serpentine]

I bet its sole purpose is spying on Iran.

 

[500]

Didnt Israel already had these type of satellites??

We had one such satellite launched in 2008 by India. Now we have 2.

In addition currently we have 4 optic satellites (3 launched by Israel and 1 by Russia) with 70 cm resolution.

I bet its sole purpose is spying on Iran.

It can spy on anyone.

 

[Serpentine]

It can spy on anyone.

Yeah, but Israel doesn't need to spy on Switzerland or Panama, it will spy on its rivals or enemies and Iran happens to be the major one. However Israel has a not so good history for spying on its allies too.

 

[Archdemon]

Some confusing information, from other sources i red that the satellite is optical, with multi spectral camera.

 

[Angry Bird]

Congratulation Israel

 

[jarves]

We had one such satellite launched in 2008 by India. Now we have 2.

In addition currently we have 4 optic satellites (3 launched by Israel and 1 by Russia) with 70 cm resolution.

The article says that Israel industries has launched it.Since when Israel acquired the capability to launch satellites??

 

[ashok321]

Israel = India.
This Technology would be shared with India.

The article says that Israel industries has launched it.Since when Israel acquired the capability to launch satellites??

Israel Space Agency - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[jarves]

Israel = India.
This Technology would be shared with India.



Israel Space Agency - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

So they have managed to devlop one space launcher i.e. Shavit.

 

[ashok321]

So they ahve managed to devlop one space launcher i.e. Shavit.

Since 1988

 

[jarves]

Since 1988

And that too with a mearge 80 million dollar budget.Israeli's are smart and intelligent people.

 

[ashok321]

Israel is no Pakistan!

 

[Missile]

So a kind of state but no state launched a military satellite. Nice

 

[500]

Yeah, but Israel doesn't need to spy on Switzerland or Panama, it will spy on its rivals or enemies and Iran happens to be the major one. However Israel has a not so good history for spying on its allies too.

I bet Syria, Lebanon and Egypt have higher priority than Iran.

The article says that Israel industries has launched it.Since when Israel acquired the capability to launch satellites??

Israel launched its first satellite in 1988.
Israel has a capability of launching 300 kg satellites to LEO westwards or over 400 kg eastwards.