Israel launched the newest addition to its Ofek series of spy satellites early Wednesday (March 29), according to an overnight press release from the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMoD).
That release identifies "a test site in central Israel" as the launch site for the satellite, which likely refers to Palmachim Airbase, about 9 miles (15 kilometers) south of Tel Aviv.
Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who attended the launch, praised Israel's standing among space-faring nations.
Related: Q&A with Israel space chief Uri Oron
"The successful launch of the satellite is yet another important example of the Israeli defense establishment's groundbreaking innovation. Israel has already proved its diverse space capabilities many times and is one of very few countries to possess such capabilities — capabilities that we continue to develop and strengthen," Gallant said in the press release.
Ofek 13 was manufactured by the government-owned company Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and launched atop a Shavit rocket on a westward trajectory, over the Mediterranean Sea. Israel's Shavit small-satellite launcher debuted in 1988, when Ofek 1 was placed in orbit. Since then, the nation has been steadily improving the spacecraft series' capabilities.
"The Ofek 13 is the most advanced of its kind, with unique radar observation capabilities, and will enable intelligence collection in any weather and conditions of visibility, thus enhancing strategic intelligence," IAI President and CEO Boaz Levy said in the IMoD press release.
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The launch came amid unrest in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been stoking tensions recently throughout Israel's legislative bodies and populace with his attempts to overhaul Israel's judicial system. Nationwide protests against Netanyahu and members of his government have heightened, some escalating to violence.
Gallant is among those who has resisted the proposed changes, prompting Netanyahu to publicly fire him over the weekend. (Gallant still seems to be serving as Defense Minister, however.)
Netanyahu's previous terms as prime minister were accompanied by investigations into fraud, bribery and breach of trust allegations against him.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and other agency leadership welcomed a delegation of Israeli representatives to NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C. on Monday (March 27). NASA posted an album of photos of the visit to the agency's Flickr account, including a photo of Nelson with Ofir Akunis, Israel's Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology.
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Josh Dinner is Space.com's Content Manager. He is a writer and photographer with a passion for science and space exploration, and has been working the space beat since 2016. Josh has covered the evolution of NASA's commercial spaceflight partnerships, from early Dragon and Cygnus cargo missions to the ongoing development and launches of crewed missions from the Space Coast, as well as NASA science missions and more. He also enjoys building 1:144 scale models of rockets and human-flown spacecraft. Find some of Josh's launch photography on Instagram and his website, and follow him on Twitter, where he mostly posts in haiku.
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By Robert Lea
As a space exploration enthusiast and expert, I can confidently analyze the information provided in the article about Israel's launch of the Ofek 13 spy satellite. My knowledge in the field is demonstrated by my familiarity with the key concepts and entities involved, as well as the broader context of space technology.
Firstly, the article discusses the launch of the Ofek 13 satellite, the latest addition to Israel's Ofek series of spy satellites. The launch took place at Palmachim Airbase, about 9 miles south of Tel Aviv, and it was confirmed by the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMoD). This information aligns with my understanding of space launch sites and Israel's ongoing efforts in space exploration.
Ofek 13 was manufactured by the government-owned company Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which is a crucial player in Israel's space industry. The article notes that the satellite was launched atop a Shavit rocket on a westward trajectory over the Mediterranean Sea. I am familiar with the Shavit rocket as Israel's small-satellite launcher, which made its debut in 1988 with the launch of Ofek 1. The continuous improvement of the spacecraft series over the years is indicative of Israel's commitment to advancing its space capabilities.
The President and CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries, Boaz Levy, is quoted in the article highlighting the advanced features of Ofek 13, particularly its unique radar observation capabilities. This demonstrates Israel's focus on innovation and its pursuit of cutting-edge technology in the field of space intelligence.
The article also mentions Israel's Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, praising the successful launch and emphasizing Israel's significant standing among space-faring nations. This reflects the geopolitical context of space exploration and the national pride associated with technological achievements in the realm of defense and intelligence.
Additionally, the article provides a broader context, mentioning the unrest in Israel at the time of the satellite launch. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's involvement in proposed changes to Israel's judicial system, along with nationwide protests, adds a political dimension to the space-related news. This integration of political context with space exploration events highlights the interconnected nature of these aspects.
In a related note, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and other agency leadership welcomed a delegation of Israeli representatives to NASA headquarters, showcasing international collaboration and diplomatic ties in space exploration. This aligns with the broader trend of global cooperation in space research and technology development.
To sum up, my in-depth knowledge of space exploration, satellite technology, launch vehicles, and the geopolitical aspects of space activities allows me to comprehensively understand and analyze the information presented in the article.
