Ofeq-11

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.

Ofeq-11
NamesOfek-11
Mission typeOptical reconnaissance
OperatorIsraeli Ministry of Defence / Tsahal
COSPAR ID2016-056A
SATCAT no.41759
Mission duration5 years (planned)
7 years, 1 month and 12 days (in progress)
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftOfeq-11
BusOPSAT-3000
ManufacturerIsrael Aerospace Industries
Launch mass370 kg (820 lb)
Start of mission
Launch date13 September 2016, 14:38 UTC
RocketShavit 2 (No.10)
Launch sitePalmachim Air Base
ContractorIsrael Aerospace Industries
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit
RegimeLow Earth orbit
Perigee altitude341 km (212 mi)
Apogee altitude594 km (369 mi)
Inclination142.53°
Period94.0 minutes
 

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]

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