Ofeq 5 [IAI]
Ofeq 5 [IAI] |
The Ofeq 3 series was the first israeli spy satellite series. Intended for surveillance of Israel's neighbours, the Ofeq series is unusual in having a retrograde orbit. This is due to the geographical location of Israel, which gives only an unobstructed launch path over the mediterranean sea. It is similar to the EROS-A civilian earth observation satellite.
Ofeq 4 (which was possibly the prototype EROS-A satellite) was lost in an launch failure in early 1998.
The Ofeq 5 spy satellite was successfully launched in 2002.
Ofeq 6, equipped with long-range cameras outfitted with sophisticated night vision capabilities, was supposed to join the Ofeq-5 in space, but failed to reach orbit.
The Ofeq 7 satellite was successfully launched in mid 2007 on an enlarged Shavit-2 launch vehicle.
Ofeq 8 is planned for launch in 2010.
| Nation: | Israel |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Earth Observing |
| Operator: | Tsahal |
| Contractors: | IAI |
| Equipment: | |
| Configuration: | OPSAT-2000 Bus |
| Propulsion: | |
| Lifetime: | |
| Mass: | 189 kg |
| Orbit: | 729 km x 367 km, 143.3° |
| Satellite | Date | LS | Launcher | Remarks: | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ofeq 3 | 05.04.1995 | Pa | Shavit-1 | ||
| Ofeq 4 (EROS A ?) | 23.01.1998 | Pa | F | Shavit-1 | |
| Ofeq 5 | 28.05.2002 | Pa | Shavit-1 | ||
| Ofeq 6 | 06.09.2004 | Pa | F | Shavit-1 | |
| Ofeq 7 | 10.06.2007 | Pa | Shavit-2 | ||
| Ofeq 8 | 2010 | Pa | Shavit-2 |
Last update: 27.09.2009
Contact: gunter.krebs@skyrocket.de
© Gunter Dirk Krebs