Israel successfully sends Ofek 5 spy satellite int

Israel successfully sends Ofek 5 spy satellite into orbit

By Amnon Barzilai, Ha’aretz Correspondent and Itim

Israel successfully launched its next-generation spy satellite Tuesday, using a locally-made launcher on Palmachim beach. The Ofek 5 satelite was launched into space at 4:30 P.M.

Ofek 5 will replace its predecessor, Ofek 3, which burned up in space after five full years of service. The next generation of satellites is slated to have a life-span of eight years.

Ofek 5 will orbit the earth at a height of 400-600 kilometers. The satellite was developed by Israel Aircraft Industries, as was the Shavit launcher. Two of three of the launcher’s engines were developed by Israel Military Industries.

Among the equipment to be carried by Ofek 5 is a telescopic camera designed by Elbit Systems.

Ofek 3 went out of action over a year-and-a-half ago, and since then, the Defense Ministry has mostly made use of photographs taken by the commercial satellite, Eros, also developed by IAI. Elbit and private investors are currently working on the second in the series of commercial satellites, which is expected to be launched at the end of next week.

Israel’s spy satellite program experienced a setback in November 1998 when the launch of the Ofek 4 satellite failed because of a fault with the Shavit launcher.

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U.N. Representative: So, Mr. Evil –
Dr. Evil: It’s Dr. Evil, I didn’t spend six years in Evil Medical School to be called “mister,” thank you very much.