Ofek / Imagery Intelligence
IAI, Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd has developed and produced the satellite and its launcher in cooperation with other high-tech industries including IMI- Israel Military Industries, Rafael, Elbit Systems and Elisra Group in response to an order placed by the Israeli Ministry of Defense.
September 6th 2004 at 13:53 hrs p.m, an unsuccessful attempt was made to launch into orbit a remote sensing satellite. The source of the malfunction in the third stage is being investigated by experts from the MOD and the involved industries. One of its four directional engines malfunctioned and the rocket and payload crashed into the Mediterranean Sea. Ofek-6 was intended to replace Ofek-5. Ofek-5 will function for a few more years, and it was estimated that another replacement satellite can be put in place in time if the necessary funds are available. The failure of the Ofek-6 cost approximately $50 million.
On 22 June 2010 Israel successfully launched a spy satellite atop one of its own rockets. The satellite, called Ofek 9, was produced in Israel and is set to circle the globe in low orbit 15 times a day. Launched by the homegrown intercontinental Shavit rocket, the Ofek 9 lifted off from a military range southwest of Tel Aviv. Israel is the only nation that launches against the Earth's orbit because it would not want any payload to land in an Arab country. The intelligence camera on board is considered more advanced than Israel's other four satellites currently in space. Israel is just one of nine countries that can produce and launch its own satellites. They have not always been successful and in 2004 the launch of the Ofek 6 failed. The Israeli Air Force will be operating the Ofek 9, which will enhance its efforts to monitor Iran and other states.
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