Israel Launches Next-Generation Satellite

High Resolution Images as Small as 18 Inches Across

Israel’s Defense Ministry has successfully launched Ofek 10, a next-generation satellite capable of highly-targeted surveillance of specific locations – such as Iranian targets.

“We continue to increase the vast qualitative and technological advantage over our neighbors," said Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon. (RT, 10 April)

Ofek 10 functions in a fundamentally new way than its predecessor, Ofek 9, launched four years ago. Instead of sweeping through vast swathes of territory with its cameras, it can momentarily switch between different locations by altering orbits, producing high-resolution images of objects as small as 18 inches across. (RT, 10 April)

Ofek 10 has already begun relaying visuals and information from orbit. It is expected to become fully operational within three months.

Photo credit: Ofek 10's launch, 9 April 2014. (IDF/Israel Aerospace Industries/RT)