Tel Aviv: Israel is enhancing its space capabilities. On September 2, the Israeli Ofek 19 spy satellite was launched into orbit from the Palmachim air base in central Israel. The Ofek 19 carries a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) payload.
A synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite is an Earth observation satellite equipped with an active microwave sensor that emits radar pulses to create detailed, high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface. Its key advantage is the ability to operate day or night and see through clouds, smoke, and rain, making it invaluable for a wide range of applications, from environmental monitoring and disaster response to defence and infrastructure tracking.
The Ofek 19 programme is a joint programme of the Directorate of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) Space Programme Office in the Israel Ministry of Defence (IMOD), the IDF, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) that manufactured this advanced satellite.
The Ofek 19 was launched into orbit by an Israeli Shavit launcher and reached its orbit. In the coming days the satellite’s payload will be tested. Ofek 19 is a highly advanced synthetic aperture radar observation satellite with enhanced capabilities. Upon entering Earth’s orbit, the satellite will undergo a series of designated tests to assess its integrity and performance.
The defence space programme is led by the DDR&D’s Space Programme Office and includes various stakeholders within the IDF, such as Unit 9900 of the Intelligence Directorate and the Israeli Air Force (IAF). IAI developed and manufactured both satellite and launcher as lead contractor.
IAI’s Systems, Missiles and Space (SMS) Group, through its SPACE Division, led the project in collaboration with the ELTA Group, who produced the payload, and IAI’s MLM Division, who developed the launcher alongside Tomer Ltd. and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, who manufactured the launch vehicle’s rocket engines.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
