Israeli Newly-Launched Spy Satellite Begins Sending Photos Back

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The launch of Ofek-7 comes amid increasing tension with Iran and reports that Syria has been arming and preparing for a military confrontation with Israel.

by Staff Writers
Jerusalem, Israel (XNA) Jun 18, 2007
The Ofek-7 spy satellite, which was successfully launched three days ago, on Thursday, began transmitting images back to authorities in Israel, local Ha'aretz said. Israeli security sources were quoted as saying that they are pleased with the performance of the satellite as all of its operating systems are functioning as planned.

The Ofek-7, which means "horizon" in Hebrew, was produced by Israel Aircraft Industries in conjunction with several leading Israeli defense industry companies.

It was launched by an Israeli "Shavit" rocket at Palmahim air base in central Israel on Monday and began orbiting Earth after around one hour and half.

The spy satellite is equipped with a far more advanced camera than previous Israeli satellites, including the Ofek 5, which is in its fifth year of operation, and the Ofek 6, which crashed into the sea shortly after launch in September 2004.

The launch of Ofek-7 comes amid increasing tension with Iran and reports that Syria has been arming and preparing for a military confrontation with Israel.

However, defense establishment sources said that there is no connection between these crises and the launch of the satellite. Israel launches spy satellite

earlier related report
Israel successfully launched a military spy satellite from an air force base on early Monday morning, which began orbiting the earth two hour later, local media reported.

According to Israel Radio, a "Shavit" rocket with the Ofek-7 spy satellite was launched at local time 2:40 a.m. (2320 GMT Sunday) from the Palmahim air force base.

A comprehensive test of its systems will be carried out in the coming hours. It is expected that images sent by Ofek-7 arrive within 48 to 72 hours.

The satellite was developed in conjunction with several leading Israeli defense industry companies, including Rafael, and its cost is classified.

It weighs roughly 300 kilograms and is expected to follow an elliptical orbit at an altitude of between 311 and 600 kilometers. It is 2.3 meters long and has an expected life of four years.

Ofek-7 is expected to circle the earth every 90 minutes, and should remain in orbit for a minimum of four years, and a maximum of six. It is equipped with various advanced components, such as a GPS system, a central computer, a gas tank, and a telescope.

Ofek-7 contains notable improvements over the Ofek-6 satellite, which crashed into the Mediterranean Sea shortly after launch in 2004, costing an estimated 80 million U.S. dollars.

Ofek-7 is to replace Ofek-5, which has been orbiting for almost five years. Ofek-5's life had to be extended after Ofek-6 failure.

Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz welcomed the successful launch, saying it "adds an important layer to Israel's security and it is evidence of Israel's technological strength.

"The launch of Ofek-7 comes amid increasing tension with Iran and reports that Syria has been arming and preparing for a military confrontation with Israel.

However, defense establishment sources was quoted as saying that there is no connection between these crises and the launch of the satellite.

The sources said, however, the satellite will serve the needs of the defense establishment and be used exclusively for defense purposes.

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China Committed To Peaceful Use Of Outer Space

Vienna (XNA) Jun 18, 2007
China will as always continue to make its contributions to the peaceful uses of outer space, said Tang Guoqiang, head of the Chinese Delegation at the 50th Session of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) hel during early June in Vienna. China will support and participate in the work of the committee under various items, said Tang, who is also the Chinese permanent representative to the UN and other international organizations in Vienna.

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