Israel launches new satellite

6th July 2020 - 14:00 GMT | by The Shephard News Team

RSS

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced on 6 July the successful launch of a new military satellite.

Developed by IAI with the Space Administration in the Directorate of Defence Research and Development in the Israeli MoD, the Ofek 16 EO reconnaissance satellite was sent into orbit on a Shavit launcher.

‘IMoD and IAI engineers have started a series of pre-planned tests to determine the propriety and performance level of the satellite before it begins its full operational activities,’ IAI announced.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and state-owned company Tomer developed the launch engines for prime contractor IAI. Elbit Systems was responsible for the development and production of the advanced camera and payload on the satellite. Other industry support came from Rokar and Cielo.

Officials from the Israeli Intelligence Corps and Israeli Air Force ‘have also been deeply involved in the satellite development process‘, IAI revealed.

The latest Ofek launch comes at a time of heightened regional tensions with Iran, and it is reasonable to assume that the satellite will be used to monitor areas of interest in that country. Once the satellite is deemed fully operational, the MoD will deliver day-to-day responsibilities for running Ofek 16 to Unit 9900 (part of the Intelligence Corps).

Author

The Shephard News Team

As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to Premium News and Defence Insight …

Read full bio

More from Modernised Situational Awareness Special Report

What is MOJO? (sponsored video)

Viasat’s Move Out/Jump Off terminal allows operational commanders at the tactical edge to receive the best possible levels of situational awareness required to do their job.
What is an STT? Small Tactical Terminal (sponsored video)

The KOR-24A STT extends the ability of warfighters to conduct real-time communications and increase interoperability in austere environments.
What is BATS-D? (sponsored video)

BATS-D provides dismounted personnel with a ground-to-air capability to shorten the targeting cycles and accuracy of close air support and other fire missions.
What is MIDS? (sponsored video)

Viasat’s Government Systems division provides U.S. and coalition military forces with a range of advanced communications technology. Here’s a quick description of one of them: MIDS
What is Link 16? (sponsored video)

Viasat’s Government Systems division provides U.S. and coalition military forces with a range of advanced communications technology. Here’s a quick description of one of them, Link 16:
US augments EW defence with network modernisation

The US Army is working to modernise its tactical networks to enable expeditionary and mobile operations, and bolster its resilience against near-peer EW and cyber …