This evening, at 18:15 Israel time, Israel launched its fourth reconnaissance satellite, the OFEQ-5. The satellite is the latest in Israel's reconnaissance satellite series.
The launch site was the Palmachim Air Force Base. Ministry of Defense spokeswoman Rachel Nadek confirmed to "Globes" that the launch took place. The launch was originally scheduled for tomorrow.
Two years ago, the OFEQ-4 satellite exploded due to a post lift-off malfunction.
The OFEQ-5 reconnaissance satellite was developed by Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), Elbit (ELBTF) subsidiary El-Op Electro-Optics Industries and Elisra subsidiary Tadiran-Spectralink.
The Shavit launcher was developed by Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), Israel Military Industries (IMI) and Rafael (Israel Armament Development Authority). Foreign news sources report the Shavit is based on Israel's Jericho medium-range ballistic missile. Since the Eighties, Israel has used the Shavit in all satellite launches.
IAI further announced: "With its insertion into orbit, OFEQ-5 will undergo a series of in-orbit tests, expected to last several weeks, to verify its operation and performance.
"The satellite carries a remote sensing payload that will enable it to perform its high-resolution observation missions for national needs.
"OFEQ-5 is a three-axes stabilized, lightweight satellite platform, adapted for high-resolution observation, scientific, or, technological payloads.
"The satellite circles the earth, from east to west, every hour and a half, at an approximate angle of inclination 143 degrees.
"OFEQ-5 is designed to operate at altitudes between 370 and 600 km above the surface of the Earth. Its projected lifetime is approximately four years. OFEQ-5 belongs to the class of small and lightweight satellites. Its launch weight is about 300 kg, has a height of 2.3 meters and 1.2 meter diameter.
"OFEQ-5 continues IAI/MBT's tradition of lightweight satellites that provide high-resolution images. OFEQ-5's light weight allows for maximum agility over target to yield rapid image acquisition. It acquires images in swaths ahead of satellite trajectory, beneath it and lateral to it.
"The first communications satellite AMOS 1 was launched in 1996, and its communications services are marketed by SPACECOM, in Israel and in Central Europe. AMOS 2 will be launched in 2003 for SPACECOM. MBT is also developing the AMOS HP, a powerful communication satellite for HKSTG Company, Hong Kong. The AMOS HP satellite will provide communication services over Asia.
"In the field of observation satellites, IAI/MBT Division also manufactures the EROS (Earth Resources Observation Satellite) series of commercial high resolution observation satellites for ImageSat International (ISI) Ltd. EROS-A, the first in the constellation, was launched successfully in 2000. MBT is currently developing the EROS B satellite, planned to be launched in the first half of 2004.
"Concurrent with the various observation and communication satellite programs, IAI/MBT leads Israel's activity in micro-satellite development , for various applications, cooperating with overseas partners.
"IAI/MBT Division holds about 25% of the ownership of SPACECOM, about 44% of ISI, and a partial holding in HKSTG as well.
"The OFEQ-5 launch is an important step in the enhancement of the technological and space development capabilities of IAI/MBT.
"IAI/MLM's Division Shavit launcher offers various options for launching small satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The launch system is based on flight-proven hardware and software, and a unique integration and launch concept. These reduce significantly launch preparation time, and, consequently lower overall launch costs.
"Shavit is a three-stage satellite launcher, powered by three solid fuel rocket motors. The first two stages lift the launcher to an altitude of approximately 110 km. From this point, the launcher continues to gain height while coasting up to approximately 250 km, where the launcher positions itself and ejects the satellite shroud. After the separation of the main instrumentation compartment and while the launcher is spinning, the third stage motor is ignited. Thus, the satellite is inserted accurately into its transfer orbit at an altitude of approximately 260 km.
"Shavit utilizes a unique set of launch preparation equipment. It is largely independent of the launch site and provides full testing of the launcher on the launch pad. This configuration enables satellite launch from different launch sites, according to customer requirements.
"The LEOLINK program was initiated to market IAI/MLM Division’s launch services for the global market using the current LK-A launcher, while developing LK-1, its next generation launcher.
- LK-A – For 350 kg-class satellites in 240 by 600 km elliptical polar orbits; and,
- LK-1 – For 350 kg-class satellites in 700 km circular polar orbits."
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on 28 May 2002