In various parts of the world, Israel often excels in military and intelligence operations, but it does not solely rely on the abilities of individual Mossad agents who are known to be astute. Other than that, Israel's intelligence situational awareness can be well maintained thanks to its spy satellites which have unknowingly existed all this time.
And the latest news comes from the Middle East, that Isreal has again launched its newest spy satellite into orbit. Quoted from The Times of Israel – timesofisrael.com (29/3/2023), the Israeli Ministry of Defense has announced the successful launch of the “Ofek 13” spy satellite into space this Wednesday morning. Ofek 13 was launched on a Shavit rocket vehicle from Palmachim Air Base at 2:10 am.
Ofek 13 is the newest type of satellite in Israel's line of space observation assets, and will provide the military with better quality images than any of its predecessors. The Israeli Ministry of Defense said that Ofek 13 is actually an observation satellite with advanced capabilities, including a synthetic-aperture radar feature.
Still from the same source, it is said that a few hours after launch, the satellite successfully entered orbit, has started transmitting data, and completed a series of initial inspections according to the initial launch plan. The engineers will then continue with the planned inspections before starting full operational activities in the near future.
Development and production of the Ofek 13 satellite is led by the Space and Satellite Administration under the Ministry of Defence, with development involving various elements within the military sphere, including visual intelligence Unit 9900 and the air force.
Israel Aerospace Industries is the main contractor involved in this satellite project. Meanwhile defense companies Rafael and Tomer manufacture launch engines. Israel launched its first satellite, Ofek 1, into space in 1988. It was only seven years later, in 1995, that Israel launched a reconnaissance satellite into space capable of photographing Earth.
Ofek 16 was launched into space in July 2020, and won Israel's top security award last year. Israel's spy satellite fleet is operated by the IDF's Military Intelligence Directorate, and Ofek 13 will be turned over to visual intelligence Unit 9900 once deemed fully operational.
Israel is one of a handful of countries in the world that operates reconnaissance satellites, giving it advanced intelligence-gathering capabilities. In 2020, Iran is among the first to successfully launch a spy satellite into orbit after years of failure.
Follow Daily Post on Google News to update information quickly. Thank you for visiting our website..!! Don't forget to share any information to help develop our website.
