Ofek-11 was launched on 13 September 2016, at 14:38
UTC from the
Palmachim Airbase in
Israel, two years after the launch of
Ofeq-10. It was delivered using IAI's
Shavit 2 launcher. Compared to its predecessor, the new satellite features an improved version of
El-Op's "Jupiter High-Resolution Imaging System", with resolution increased to 0.5 meter, and uses a new
satellite bus - OPSAT-3000 - which is a derivative of the satellite bus used in
TecSAR-1.[1]
Mission
According to reports, the launch initially looked like a success, but about 90 minutes later, engineers realized that while the satellite had entered orbit, not all systems were functioning or responding to instructions. However, after several days of remote repairs, the satellite was operational and taking high-quality pictures.[2] It has been reported that
South Korea is considering utilizing the satellite to obtain reconnaissance on
North Korean activities.[3]
Launches are separated by dots ( • ), payloads by commas ( , ), multiple names for the same satellite by slashes ( / ).
CubeSats are smaller. Crewed flights are underlined. Launch failures are marked with the † sign. Payloads deployed from other spacecraft are (enclosed in parentheses).
