Israel Launches “Ofek 19” Surveillance Satellite into Space

The Israeli Ministry of Defence, in cooperation with the military and the Israel Space Agency, has successfully launched its new surveillance satellite, Ofek 19, from Palmachim Air Base. The satellite will be used for espionage, surveillance, and intelligence gathering.

The “Ofek 19” Surveillance Satellite, developed jointly by the Israeli Ministry of Defence, the Israeli military, the Israel Space Agency, and Israel Aerospace Industries, was successfully launched tonight from Palmachim Air Base and Spaceport in central Israel.

In a statement, the Ministry announced that the satellite will be used for espionage, surveillance, and intelligence-gathering purposes. The Israel Space Agency highlighted that the new SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) technology-equipped satellite in the Ofek series can gather data even under cloudy and dark weather conditions.

Reports indicated that brief panic occurred in the region during the launch, with some civilians mistaking the satellite for a missile and rushing to shelters. According to local media, the launch moment was met with concern by some Israelis and excitement by others.

Israel has recently accelerated its investments in space. In July, Dror-1, described as the country’s most advanced communications satellite to date, was successfully launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, Dror-1 is expected to support the country’s communications infrastructure for the next 15 years. The 4.5-tonne satellite carries Israel’s largest communication equipment to date, with massive solar panels extending to 17.8 metres when deployed and antennas measuring 2.8 metres.