“Ofek-13 will allow the collection of information under any weather and visibility conditions” announced the Ministry of Defense of the country
Israel’s Defense Ministry announced today that it has launched a new spy satellite that has advanced imaging capabilities.
The Ofek-13 “observation satellite” was launched from a launch base in central Israel overnight, the Defense Ministry said.
Israeli Ministry of Defense & Aerospace Industry successfully launched tonight the Ofek 13 spy satellite into space from an experimental field in the center of Israel. Ofek 13 is a radar satellite with advanced capabilities of bringing pictures in color in any weather. @Doron_Kadosh pic.twitter.com/TxyozMvfvX
— Shmuel Shalom שמואל שלום سمؤال عبد السلام (@ShmuelShalom) March 29, 2023
“Ofek-13 is the most advanced of its kind, with unique observation capabilities, and will enable information collection under any weather and visibility conditions,” the statement said, referring to the satellite’s synthetic aperture radar.
🚀The Israel Ministry of Defense, IAI & IDF successfully launched the “Ofek 13” satellite at 02:10 IST today (Wednesday). The satellite entered orbit, has begun transmitting data, and completed an initial series of inspections in accordance with original launch plans 🚀 pic.twitter.com/sjdWn3SECT
— Ministry of Defense (@Israel_MOD) March 29, 2023
Israel joined the small club of space powers in 1988 with the launch of its first satellite, Ofek (“Horizon” in Hebrew).
“We will continue to demonstrate that there are no limits, even in the sky, to Israel’s defense and that we will continue to strengthen its capabilities in all dimensions in the face of multiple challenges,” the Defense Ministry statement said.
The Ofek-13, developed by state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is expected to be delivered to the Israeli military after undergoing a series of in-orbit tests, according to the statement.
Source :Skai
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