Israel launches a satellite, showing among other things its ballistic missiles capability

I added the missiles part, and only because I remember when Iran launched its own satellite, the buzz was that it demonstrates advances in ballistic missiles capability.

Israel launches new spy satellite

In an effort to beef up intelligence gathering in the face of Iran’s pursuit of nuclear power, Israel launched a new spy satellite into space on Tuesday.

Called Ofek 9, the satellite was launched from Palmachim Air Force Base along the Mediterranean coast. It will be placed in low orbit by the IAI-made Shavit launcher that was used for the Ofek 7 satellite in 2007.

“This will significantly boost our intelligence-gathering capabilities,” a defense official said.

The Ofek 9 weighs about 300 kg. and can complete an orbit every 90 minutes.

While the new satellite will not represent a significant technological breakthrough – it will carry the same camera as the Ofek 7 – it will provide the IDF with greater flexibility in utilizing its space assets.

The last satellite, the TecSar, was launched by Israel from India in 2008. Also developed by IAI, the TecSar can create high-resolution images using advanced radar technology called Synthetic Aperture Radar, enabling it to produce images in all weather conditions and even at night.

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