Technical specifications of Israeli satellite capabilities are not pub-
lished. However, based on foreign sources, Ofeq-3 is capable of pro-
ducing photographs of approximately 3.3-foot (1-meter) resolution.
Ofeq-series satellites are exceptional among photoreconnaissance
satellites in several aspects. They weigh only 415 pounds (189 kilo-
grams), much less than other photoreconnaissance satellites with
similar capabilities. Due to Israel’s geographic, security, and safety
limitations, they are launched on a westward trajectory, in contrast to
most other satellites, which are launched eastward to benefit from the
Earth’s rotation.
Ofeq-4 was launched in January 1998, but the launch was unsuc-
cessful. Ofeq-5, designed to replace Ofeq-3, was successfully launched
in May 2002.
Ofeq-6, equipped with long-range cameras fitted with sophisti-
cated night vision capabilities, was supposed to join Ofeq-5 but its
launch in September 2004 failed. According to the assessment by Is-
rael’s Defense Ministry, the failure was due to a malfunction in the
third stage of the launch, when its engine did not ignite after disen-
gaging from the second stage. The Ofeq satellite project is estimated
at $100 million per satellite, while the launcher’s cost is in the tens of
millions of dollars. Ofeq-6 is supposed to be followed by Ofeq-7 in
2007 or 2008.
Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) also undertook the Eros project, a se-
ries of civilian photoreconnaissance satellites, which used technology
taken from the Ofeq satellites. The first in the series, the Eros A1, was
launched in December 2000 from a Russian Start launcher. Eros A1 is
capable of providing photographs with 6-foot (1.8-meter) resolution.
These photographs are marketed by a commercial company, although
it was reported that the Israel’s Defense Ministry has acquired exclu-
sive rights to the satellite’s photographs of Middle Eastern countries.
In addition to the Ofeq series, more Eros satellites, of the Eros B
series, are planned as well. These will provide photographs with a
resolution of less than 3.3 feet (1 meter).
The development of a Techstar satellite, a radar photoreconnais-
sance satellite, has also been reported. This satellite will benefit from
synthetic aperture radar technology, which can photograph images
with a good resolution at night and in cloudy weather. Many countries
are showing interest in buying Ofeq satellites.OFEQ SATELLITES• 22306-102 (03) H-P.qxd 3/24/06 7:25 AM Page 223