Israel launches spy satellite, Ofek 16, to keep a better eye on its enemies

Israel on Monday launched a new spy satellite that it said would provide high-quality surveillance for its military intelligence. Israel has been building up its surveillance capabilities to monitor enemies such as Iran, whose nuclear program it sees as a major threat. The satellite, called Ofek 16, was shot into space early Monday morning from a site in central Israel by a locally-developed Shavit rocket, which was used to launch previous Ofek satellites. [caption id=“attachment_8567311” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”] Israel Ministry of Defense and Israel Aerospace Industries have successfully launched the Ofek 16 satellite. Image credit: Twitter/Israel’s Defense Ministry[/caption] “We will continue to strengthen and maintain Israel’s capabilities on every front, in every place,” said Defense Minister Benny Gantz.

Update: The Israel Ministry of Defense and Israel Aerospace Industries have successfully launched the Ofek 16 satellite - *which has begun its orbit in space* pic.twitter.com/ubNWFsf1Q0

— Ministry of Defense (@Israel_MOD) July 6, 2020

The Defense Ministry called Ofek 16 “an electro-optical reconnaissance satellite with advanced capabilities.” The first images will be received in about a week. State-owned Israel Aerospace Industries was the main contractor for the project and the satellite’s payload was developed by defense firm Elbit Systems.