Israel Launches Ofek-7 Satellite
By Tzippe Barrow
CBN News - Jerusalem Bureau
June 11, 2007
CBNNews.com - JERUSALEM, Israel - At precisely 2:40 a.m. Monday morning, when most Israelis were asleep, Israel's newest military surveillance satellite was launched into space.
Overseeing the launch of Ofek-7 at Palmahim Air Force Base was Brigadier General Haim Eshed, head of the space program at the Ministry of Defense Research and Development Directorate (MAFAT).
The seven-and-a-half foot satellite, weighing just over 660 pounds, was carried into space by a Shavit rocket.
Developed by Israel Aircraft Industries, the Ofek-7, which circles the earth every 90 minutes, will begin sending images back from space within two or three days.
The successful launch was especially meaningful following a failed attempt in 2004, when the Ofek-6 crashed into the Mediterranean shortly after launch, costing the government some $80 million.
The Ofek-5, launched in May 2002, whose orbit takes it over Iran, Iraq and Syria every 90 minutes, continues to send high-resolution images with its variable direction camera designed by Elbit Systems.
Defense officials say the Ofek-7, which will eventually replace Ofek-5, will significantly enhance gathering intelligence data, especially from Syria and Iran.
"With this launch, we have improved Israel's operational capabilities by dozens of percent," said Eshet. "This is due to the improvements made to the satellite and also since we now have better coverage of the skies."
Sources: Haaretz, The Jerusalem Post, YNet
CBN IS HERE FOR YOU!
Are you seeking answers in life? Are you hurting?
Are you facing a difficult situation?
A caring friend will be there to pray with you in your time of need.
