JERUSALEM
An advanced Israeli spy satellite, launched late Wednesday, has entered its orbit, the Israeli media has reported.
The satellite, known as Ofek 10, has been hailed by the Israeli media as the self-proclaimed Jewish state's most advanced reconnaissance satellite. It is designed to gather information for military purposes.
According to Israeli daily The Jerusalem Post, the satellite – capable of capturing shots in all weather conditions – relies on cutting-edge day-and-night photography technologies.
Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon called the launch "further testimony of Israel's impressive ability to develop and lead at the forefront of technology," Israeli daily Haaretz reported.
"Ofek 10 is meant to improve Israel's intelligence capabilities and allow the defense establishment to better deal with threats both close and far, all hours of the day and in all weather conditions," Yaalon was quoted as saying.
"We continue to increase the vast qualitative and technological advantage over our neighbors," he added.
According to the Defense Ministry, the 330-kh satellite will rotate around the earth at a height of between 400 and 600 kilometers, completing an orbit every 90 minutes.
"The satellite has exceptional photographic ability, but it is very small," Ofer Doron, CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries' space division, was quoted as saying by Haaretz. "It's designed to deliver very precise, high-quality images under all conditions."
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