Israeli achievement: The 'Ofek 10' spy satellite was successfully launched into space

April 10, 2014   

The Space Administration, which operates within the Ministry of Defense's Space and Defense Development Directorate, and the Israel Aerospace Industries launched the 'Ofek 10' satellite into space tonight (Tuesday) at 10:15 PM. The launch was carried out using a Shavit satellite launcher from the Palmachim test site. In the coming days, the Israel Aerospace Industries and the Ministry of Defense will monitor the satellite's entry into space and examine its full entry into operation, which should enhance Israel's capabilities on a global scale. The Ofek 10 satellite is a radar-based observation satellite (SAR), with advanced capabilities for day, night, and all-weather photography. The Ministry of Defense, led by the Israel Aerospace Industries and other industries, developed and manufactured the "Ofek 10" satellite and the "Shavit" launcher. Sources in the defense establishment said that the initial stages of the launch were a success. Earlier today, the Israeli defense establishment recorded another achievement - the first C-130J Super Hercules aircraft of the Air Force landed at Nevatim Air Base, where it was received in a festive ceremony in the presence of the Minister of Defense, the Chief of Staff, the Commander of the Air Force and senior officers from IDF units. The aircraft, which will be nicknamed "Samson", is the latest and upgraded version of the veteran Hercules aircraft that has been in service with the Air Force since 1971. Israel signed a huge deal worth approximately $250 million with the United States and Lockheed Martin, which manufactures the aircraft, for the purchase of three aircraft of the advanced model, which was designed and developed with an emphasis on Mission flexibility - transferring forces and supplies to combat zones, performing aerial refueling, special operations, assisting disaster areas, and humanitarian missions.