Ofeq-11 Explained

Ofeq-11
Names List:Ofek-11
Mission Type:Optical reconnaissance
Operator:Israeli Ministry of Defence / Tsahal
Cospar Id:2016-056A
Satcat:41759
Mission Duration:5 years (planned)
Spacecraft:Ofeq-11
Spacecraft Bus:OPSAT-3000
Manufacturer:Israel Aerospace Industries
Launch Date:13 September 2016, 14:38 UTC
Launch Rocket:Shavit 2 (No.10)
Launch Site:Palmachim Air Base
Launch Contractor:Israel Aerospace Industries
Decay Date:9 June 2024
Orbit Reference:Geocentric orbit
Orbit Regime:Low Earth orbit
Orbit Inclination:142.53°
Orbit Period:94.0 minutes
Apsis:gee
Programme:Ofeq series
Previous Mission:Ofeq-10
Next Mission:Ofeq-16

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

Launch

Ofek-11 was launched on 13 September 2016, at 14:38 UTC from the Palmachim Airbase in Israel, two years after the launch of Ofeq-10. It was delivered using IAI's Shavit 2 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 bus - OPSAT-3000 - which is a derivative of the satellite bus used in TecSAR-1.[1]

Mission

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]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Israel Launches Advanced Optical Reconnaissance Satellite. Spaceflight 101. 13 September 2016. 8 May 2021.
  2. News: Israeli spy satellite working after rocky launch. Ynetnews . Ynetnews.com. 22 September 2016. 8 May 2021.
  3. News: South Korea may use Israeli spy satellite. Ynetnews . Ynetnews.com. 22 October 2016. 8 May 2021.