Ofek-11

Ofek-11, also known as Ofeq 11, is part of the Ofeq family of reconnaissance satellites designed and built by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for the Israeli Ministry of Defense.

Ofek-11

Mission type	Optical reconnaissance
Operator	Israeli Ministry of Defence
COSPAR ID	2016-056A
SATCAT no.	41759
Spacecraft properties
Manufacturer	IAI
Launch mass	370 kg
Start of mission
Launch date	13 September 2016 (2016-09-13)
Rocket	Shavit-2
Launch site	Palmachim
Contractor	Israel Space Agency

Ofek-11 was launched on 13 September 2016 from the Palmachim Airbase in Israel, two years after the launch of Ofek-10. It was delivered using IAI's Shavit launcher. Compared to its predecessor, the new satellite features an improved version of El-Op's "Jupiter High-Resolution Imaging System", with resolution increased to 0.5 meter, and uses a new satellite platform - OPSAT-3000 - which is a derivative of the satellite bus used in TecSAR.[1]

According to reports the launch initially looked like a success, but about 90 minutes later, engineers realized that while the satellite had entered orbit, not all systems were functioning or responding to instructions.

However, after several days of remote repairs, the satellite was operational and taking high-quality pictures.[2]

It has been reported that South Korea is considering utilizing the satellite to obtain reconnaissance on North Korean activities.[3]

References

1. "Israel Launches Advanced Optical Reconnaissance Satellite". Spaceflight 101. 13 September 2016. Retrieved 13 September 2016.
2. Israeli spy satellite working after rocky launch
3. "South Korea may use Israeli spy satellite". Ynet News. 22 October 2016. Retrieved 20 November 2016.