Israel successfully launched its new Ofek 16 reconnaissance satellite into orbit in the early hours of Monday this week, marking further significant progress in the country’s aerospace capabilities.
Defence Minister Benny Gantz lauded the recent launch as a “mighty achievement for the defence establishment, the defence industries in general and Israel Aerospace Industries in particular”, adding that “tech superiority and intelligence capabilities are essential to the security of the State of Israel”.
The development and production of Ofek 16, an electro-optical reconnaissance satellite with highly advanced imaging capabilities, was led by the Defence Ministry’s Space Administration. The primary contractor for the spacecraft and launching vehicle was Israel Aerospace Industries, while the craft’s advanced camera and payload were developed by another Israeli company, Elbit Systems.
The event marked the first time a satellite was launched aboard and Israeli rocket since 2016, and the latest addition to Israel’s long-running reconnaissance satellite program, started 32 years ago.
Israel is only one of ten countries in the world operating such satellites, with Iran the latest country to join the list earlier this year, following multiple failed attempts. Israel’s recent space launch took place amidst a troubled backdrop, with mysterious explosions afflicting Iran over recent weeks.
