Israel inaugurated its new Ofek-5 imaging satellite last night with a nationally-televised launch from the Palmachim Air Force base near Ashkelon. The satellite, a project of Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) in cooperation with other Israeli hi-tech industries, was sent into space by an Israeli Shavit launcher. The satellite has the capability of high resolution imaging, with accuracy of up to almost a meter from altitudes between 370 and 600 km above the earth\'s surface. This means that objects as small as a meter can be identified by the experts who will be continuously reviewing the photos it transmits.
The small dimensions of the Ofek-5 - about 300 kg., with a height of 2.3 meters (7.5 feet) and a diameter of 1.2 meters - allow for maximum altitude agility over target, yielding rapid image acquisition. The satellite began last night circling the planet from east to west every 90 minutes, and has already begun returning radio signals; its operators are waiting anxiously until Friday when its first video pictures are expected to arrive.
Ofek-5\'s projected lifetime is approximately four years, during which time it will enhance Israel\'s security by giving advanced warning of potential strategic threats. In addition to the intelligence-gathering nature of the Ofek-5, the satellite can be adapted for scientific or technological missions. Ori Orr, Chairman of the Board of IAI, told Arutz-7 today, \"The specialty of this satellite is that it can photograph at very high resolution. It is ours [Israel\'s], and we can direct it to photograph whatever we want.\" He said that it can be used not only for military and deterrent purposes, but also for a host of other civilian purposes. \"We usually deal with bad things,\" said Orr, a former Deputy Defense Minister, \"so let us remember that the countries that are able to launch satellites of this nature can be counted on the fingers one hand.\"
The small dimensions of the Ofek-5 - about 300 kg., with a height of 2.3 meters (7.5 feet) and a diameter of 1.2 meters - allow for maximum altitude agility over target, yielding rapid image acquisition. The satellite began last night circling the planet from east to west every 90 minutes, and has already begun returning radio signals; its operators are waiting anxiously until Friday when its first video pictures are expected to arrive.
Ofek-5\'s projected lifetime is approximately four years, during which time it will enhance Israel\'s security by giving advanced warning of potential strategic threats. In addition to the intelligence-gathering nature of the Ofek-5, the satellite can be adapted for scientific or technological missions. Ori Orr, Chairman of the Board of IAI, told Arutz-7 today, \"The specialty of this satellite is that it can photograph at very high resolution. It is ours [Israel\'s], and we can direct it to photograph whatever we want.\" He said that it can be used not only for military and deterrent purposes, but also for a host of other civilian purposes. \"We usually deal with bad things,\" said Orr, a former Deputy Defense Minister, \"so let us remember that the countries that are able to launch satellites of this nature can be counted on the fingers one hand.\"