SATELLITES & SPACE PROBES A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z           HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site Ofeq Ofeq 5 A series of Israeli indigenous satellites; “Ofeq” is Hebrew for “horizon.” Several Ofeqs have been launched, not all successfully, since the first in September 1988. They have conducted a variety of space science experiments and technology validation tests, and carried out some military reconnaissance. The launches are unusual in that they take place in a westerly direction. This is to avoid overflying Arab territories to the east, but it means that the launch vehicle must travel against the direction of Earth spin’s and so work harder to achieve orbital velocity, thus reducing the payload that can be delivered. All the Ofeq satellites were launched by Shavit rockets from Palmachim. Spacecraft Launch date Orbit Mass (kg) Ofeq 1 Sep. 19, 1988 250 × 1,149 km × 143° 155 Ofeq 2 Apr. 3, 1990 250 × 1,149 km × 143° 160 Ofeq Sep. 15, 1994 failed; not acknowledged by Israel   Ofeq 3 Apr. 5, 1995 366 × 694 km × 143° 189 Ofeq 4 Jan. 22, 1998 failed; fell into the Mediterranean Sea   Ofeq 5 May 28, 2002 Similar to that of Ofeq 3 n/a Related categories    • MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE AND SURVEILLANCE    • SATELLITES AND SPACE PROBES Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP