Ofek-11

Ofek-11
Mission type Radar reconnaissance
Operator Israeli Ministry of Defence
Spacecraft properties
Manufacturer IAI
Start of mission
Launch date 13 September 2016 (2016-09-13)
Rocket Shavit-2
Launch site Palmachim
Contractor Israel Space Agency

Ofek-11, also known as Ofeq 11, is part of the Ofeq family of reconnaissance satellites designed and built by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for the Israeli Ministry of Defense.

Ofeq-11 was launched on 13 September 2016 from Palmachim Airbase in Israel, two years after the launch of Ofek-10. It was delivered using a Shavit launcher. Compared to its predecessor, the new satellite features an improved version of El-Op's "Jupiter High-Resolution Imaging System", with resolution increased to 0.5 meter, and uses a new satellite platform - OPSAT-3000 - which is a derivative of the satellite bus used in TecSAR.[1]

According to reports the launch initially looked like a success, but about 90 minutes later, engineers realized that while the satellite had entered orbit, not all systems were functioning or responding to instructions.

However, after several days of remote repairs, the satellite was operational and taking high-quality pictures.[2]

It has been reported that South Korea is considering utilizing the satellite to obtain reconnaissance on North Korean activities.[3]

References

  1. "Israel Launches Advanced Optical Reconnaissance Satellite". Spaceflight 101. 13 September 2016. Retrieved 13 September 2016.
  2. Israeli spy satellite working after rocky launch
  3. "South Korea may use Israeli spy satellite". Ynet News. 22 October 2016. Retrieved 20 November 2016.


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