Spy satellite Ofek-7 launched successfully

Defense establishment successfully launches new intelligence satellite from Palmahim Base. 'Satellite has advanced capabilities which will significantly improve Israel's operational and intelligence abilities,' senior security source says

Hanan Greenberg
Published: 06.11.07, 07:07 / Israel News

The defense establishment successfully launched the Ofek-7 intelligence satellite early Monday morning. Professor Haim Eshed, head of the Defense Ministry’s Space Program, personally supervised the launch.

Ofek-7 was launched at precisely 2:40 am and is currently in orbit. A comprehensive test of its systems will be carried out in the coming hours. Israel is expected to begin receiving images within 48 to 72 hours.

The successful launch of Ofek-7 is particularly significant for Israel, following the failed attempt at launching its predecessor, Ofek-6 in October 2004, which plummeted to the sea.