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Israel launches Ofeq-7 Spy Satellite
Israel successfully launched its new spy satellite, Ofeq-7, from the Palmahim air force base yesterday. The satellite and upgraded Shavit rocket that carried it into orbit are both produced here.The satellite went into a predesignated orbital path about two hours after launch at 2:40 A.M., and began transmitting signals confirming that its systems are operational. The satellite's initial images, comprised mostly of Middle Eastern areas, are expected to be received at Palmahim's control center at noon tomorrow. Security sources said yesterday that the launch was not timed to correspond to emerging threats from Iran or Syria, and insisted it had been planned for some time. However, the same sources noted that the satellite represents a "significant upgrade" of Israel's intelligence capabilities in light of the current situation and possible war scenarios that have been suggested recently. "Our geopolitical situation is not bright, but I think that if I were now on the other side, I would be very worried about being photographed," a senior defense official said. Ofeq-7 is an advanced satellite comprised of newer surveillance equipment than its larger predecessor, Ofeq-5, which recently completed five years in orbit. The new satellite is a second-generation system intended to fill the gap created by the failed launch of Ofeq-6 two and a half years ago. Security sources said the satellite's main advantage is its ability to simultaneously take shots of the same site from different angles. In addition, it will substantially shorten the time lag in image transmittal. "It's obvious that two are better than one, and the results will be good," a senior defense source noted. Ofeq-7 is moving at a rate of about 8 kilometers per second, in an elliptical orbit, at a height of between 311 and 600 kilometers from earth. Israel Aircraft Industries, the prime contractor for developing and manufacturing the satellite, is working on third-generation satellites that are expected to deliver exceptionally high resolution photos. Security sources said that high quality commercial satellites can photograph objects on earth as small as 70 cm long. "A military spy satellite can do a little better," a defense source said. "A military satellite travels at a lower altitude than commercial satellites, and as a result can capture more." The development cost of Ofeq-7 is classified. Defense Minister Amir Peretz was updated during the night about the successful reception of active signals from the satellite. "This launch adds to the defense of the State of Israel, and is proof of the technological strengths of the country," he said in a statement. Defense Ministry Director General Pinhas Buchris said that as a former intelligence officer, he knows first hand the important contribution of Israel's strategic capabilities. Ofeq-7 weighs 300 kg, is 2.3-meters tall and has a life span of five years. Its launch was watched with some anxiety following the failed launch of Ofeq-7 in September, 2004. Officials from IAI and Israel Military Industries, the manufacturer of the Shavit rocket engine, along with representatives of other defense firms participating in the project, waited anxiously at the Palmahim control room for the launch's results. As soon as the satellite's entry into its pre-planned orbit was confirmed, there was a sigh of relief, but officials said they will not celebrate before receiving the initial photographs tomorrow. Posted by: john frum 2007-09-03 |
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