Israel successfully launches Spy Satellite ‘Ofek 16’

Israel successfully launches Spy Satellite ‘Ofek 16’

The Ministry of Defense of Israel has successfully launched the new spy satellite ‘Ofek16’ on 6 July 2020 that will help the country to keep an eye on the many threats present across the region.

Key Points:

• The ‘Ofek 16’ satellite is the new entrant in the fleet of spy satellites launched by Israel in the past two decades.
• Israel had launched the Ofek 5 satellite in 2002 and the Ofek 11 in 2016. Multiple satellites will help Israel to achieve better visit times over the interested target.
• The Ministry of Defense developed the satellite in collaboration with the state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries.
• The launch of the satellite took place from the Palmachim air base in central Israel.
• The spy satellite ‘Ofek 16’is an “electro-optical reconnaissance satellite with advanced capabilities.” The satellite will start the transmission of photos in a week.
• The satellite will also help Israel in keeping a close eye on Iran, which has recently developed a long-range missile and has its military presence in Syria.
• The satellite will provide superior technological capability along with better intelligence capabilities that are vital for the security of the state of Israel.