Mission type Radar reconnaissance Launch date 13 September 2016 Launch site Palmachim Airbase | Contractor Israel Space Agency Rocket Shavit Operator Ministry of Defense | |
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Manufacturer Israel Aerospace Industries Similar Ofek‑10, Ofeq, TecSAR, Amos‑6 | ||
Launch of israel s ofek 11 reconnaissance satellite
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.
Contents
- Launch of israel s ofek 11 reconnaissance satellite
- Israel launches new ofek 11 spy satellite
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Ofek-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.
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.
It has been reported that South Korea is considering utilizing the satellite to obtain reconnaissance on North Korean activities.