Ofek-9

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Ofek-9
Operator Israeli Ministry of Defence
Major contractors IAI
Mission type Optical reconnaissance
Launch date 22 June 2010
Carrier rocket Shavit
Launch site Palmachim
Orbital elements
Regime Low Earth (Retrograde)
Inclination 141.8 degree[1]
Apoapsis 607 km (377 mi)[1]
Periapsis 397 km (247 mi)[1]

Ofek-9, also known as Ofeq 9, is part of the Ofeq family of reconnaissance satellites designed and built by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for the Israeli Ministry of Defense.

It was launched on June 22, 2010 from Palmachim Airbase in Israel. It was delivered using an improved version of the Shavit launcher. The payload is believed to be the multi-spectral 'Jupiter' space camera produced by El-Op [2][3][4][5] While precise imaging capabilities remain classified, sources say that like the still operating Ofeq 5 and Ofeq 7, Ofeq 9 offers a resolution "much better than" a half-meter.[3] The satellite was also said to be able to detect objects being carried by people. [6]

References [edit]

  1. ^ a b c Molczan, Ted (2011-08-31). "Ofeq 9 elements". http://www.satobs.org/seesat. Retrieved 2011-09-01. 
  2. ^ "OFEQ 9 - the New Israeli Spy Satellite". Defense Update. Retrieved 24 June 2010. 
  3. ^ a b Barbara Opall-Rome (22 June 2010). "Israel Launches Ofeq-9 Satellite". DefenseNews. Retrieved 24 June 2010. 
  4. ^ Hanan Greenberg (23 June 2010). "Israel launches spy satellite". Ynet. Retrieved 24 June 2010. 
  5. ^ "Israel launches new Ofek 9 military spy satellite". Haaretz. 22 June 2010. Retrieved 24 June 2010. 
  6. ^ Aviel Magnezi (24 June 2010). "Experts: Ofek 9 will detect Iranian activity". Ynet. Retrieved 24 June 2010.