Israel launches 'Ofek 13' satellite into space

 

משרד הביטחון והתעשייה האווירית שיגרו בהצלחה לחלל את לוויין "אופק 13", לוויין תצפית מכ"מי בעל יכולות מתקדמות, משדה ניסויים במרכז הארץ
(צילום: קובי ריכטר, TPS) @ItayBlumental pic.twitter.com/Al2ByWTtdH

— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) March 28, 2023

 The IMoD Space and Satellite Administration in the Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D), the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) successfully launched the "Ofek 13" satellite into space at 2:10 a.m. on Wednesday.

The launch took place at a test site in central Israel using a "Shavit" launcher.

The "Ofek 13" satellite is a SAR observation satellite with advanced capabilities. Once the satellite enters into orbit, it will undergo a series of tests to ensure its propriety and performance levels.

The IMoD's Space and Satellite Administration has led the development and production of the satellite and its launcher. The development process also included the IDF's 9900 Intelligence Unit and the Israeli Air Force.

The Space & Missile Division in IAI is the prime contractor for the program alongside with ELTA, an IAI subsidiary, and other divisions in the company.

The launch engines were developed by Rafael Advanced Systems and Tomer, a government-owned company.