Israel Launches Advanced Observation Satellite

Israel Launches Advanced Observation Satellite.

While Iran continues its nuclear program, the IDF successfully launches Horizon 10, an advanced observation satellite that will enhance security significantly.

The Israel Defense Forces successfully launched Horizon 10 – a radar-based observation satellite with advanced photography capabilities during daylight, at night and under all weather conditions, the IDF blog announced.

Horizon (Ofek)-10 observation satellite will enhance intelligence and security. (Photo: Ministry of Defense and Israel Aerospace Industries)

The launch, which took place on Wednesday evening, was carried out jointly by the Israeli Aircraft Industries and the Defense Ministry’s Space Administration, which is a part of the Administration for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure.

“The Ofek [Horizon] 10 observation satellite was launched into orbit by the Shavit multi-stage satellite launcher,” the Defense Ministry and IAI said in a joint press release. “The satellite Ofek 10 as well as the Shavit satellite launcher were developed and produced by Israel’s Ministry of Defense, through its R&D Department (MAFAAT). The primary contractor is Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI Ltd). In addition, a number of other Israeli companies cooperated in its development and production, including Rafael, Spectralink from Elbit Systems, Rokar and Israel Military Industries. Branches of the Israel Defense Forces were also involved including the Intelligence Branch and the Air Force.”

“In the early hours of Thursday, April 10, 2014, according to plan, the observation satellite entered its orbit around the Earth, and underwent a series of tests to confirm its serviceability and accurate performance,” the press statement explains. “The satellite then began transmitting data and visual material to Earth. Engineers from MAFAT – Ministry of Defense with engineers from Israel Aerospace Industries are continuing to perform a series of planned tests until the satellite begins operational service.

“Ofek 10 is an observation remote-sensing satellite that employs synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology with advanced high-resolution imagery, capable of operating day or night and in all weather conditions. Ofek 10 was developed on previous experience accrued during the development and production of the Ofek series of advanced satellites, the first of which was launched in 1988.”

Ya’alon: ‘Blessed is the State and its people’

Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon

The launch of the observation satellite, Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon stated on Thursday, is “further testimony to Israel’s phenomenal capabilities in technology,” and “will greatly enhance Israel’s intelligence capabilities and help us to better defend the country from threats near and far.”

“Israel is blessed with an exceptional security industry, which is creative and committed to the security of Israelis,” Yaalon declared. “Our ability to continuously reach new levels of accomplishment, as with this launch, is what allows us to live a productive and prosperous life. Blessed is the state and its people.”

Observation Satellite ‘Working Flawlessly’

“Amnon Harari, head of the Defense Ministry’s Space Administration, said the observation satellite went through several years of development and production, and is currently working flawlessly. Ofek 10, weighing 330 kg, orbits the Earth at a height of between 400 and 600 km, according to the needs of the operators, and completes each orbit every 90 minutes,” reports Ha’aretz.

“The observation satellite has exceptional photographic ability, but it is very small,” adds Ofer Doron, CEO of the Israel Aerospace Industries’ Space Division, Ha’aretz continues. “It’s designed to deliver very precise, high quality images under all conditions.”

A number of global media outlets have noted Israel’s concern regarding the current diplomatic process between the West and Iran and, in particular, the expectation that the Islamic Republic will soon have nuclear capabilities if not stopped. Earlier this week, Ya’alon pointed out that there have been several violations of economic sanctions on Iran and that Israel is closely following the U.S.-led negotiations; the U.S. also headed the recent talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, which ultimately collapsed.

Author: Atara Beck, Staff Writer, United with Israel
Date: Apr. 10, 2014

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