Ofeq-11
{{Short description|Israeli reconnaissance satellite}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Infobox spaceflight
| name = Ofeq-11
| names_list = Ofek-11
| image =
| image_caption =
| image_size = 300px
| mission_type = Optical reconnaissance
| operator = Israeli Ministry of Defence / Tsahal
| COSPAR_ID = 2016-056A
| SATCAT = 41759
| website =
| mission_duration = 5 years (planned)
{{time interval|13 September 2016| 9 June 2024|show=ymd}}
| spacecraft = Ofeq-11
| spacecraft_type =
| spacecraft_bus = OPSAT-3000
| manufacturer = Israel Aerospace Industries
| launch_mass = {{cvt|370|kg}}
| dry_mass =
| dimensions =
| power =
| launch_date = 13 September 2016, 14:38 UTC
| launch_rocket = Shavit 2 (No.10)
| launch_site = Palmachim Air Base
| launch_contractor = Israel Aerospace Industries
| entered_service =
| disposal_type =
| last_contact =
| decay_date = 9 June 2024
| orbit_reference = Geocentric orbit
| orbit_regime = Low Earth orbit
| orbit_periapsis = {{cvt|341|km}}
| orbit_apoapsis = {{cvt|594|km}}
| orbit_inclination = 142.53°
| orbit_period = 94.0 minutes
| apsis = gee
| programme = Ofeq series
| previous_mission = Ofeq-10
| next_mission = Ofeq-16
}}
Ofeq-11, also known as Ofek 11 (Horizon in Hebrew), is part of the Ofeq family of reconnaissance satellites designed and built by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for the Israeli Ministry of Defense.
Launch
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.{{cite web|url=https://spaceflight101.com/israel-launches-advanced-optical-reconnaissance-satellite/|title=Israel Launches Advanced Optical Reconnaissance Satellite|publisher=Spaceflight 101|date=13 September 2016|access-date=8 May 2021}}
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.{{cite news|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4858497,00.html|title=Israeli spy satellite working after rocky launch|newspaper=Ynetnews |publisher=Ynetnews.com|date=22 September 2016|access-date=8 May 2021}} It has been reported that South Korea is considering utilizing the satellite to obtain reconnaissance on North Korean activities.{{cite news|title=South Korea may use Israeli spy satellite|newspaper=Ynetnews |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4869144,00.html|publisher=Ynetnews.com|date=22 October 2016|access-date=8 May 2021}}
References
{{Portal|Spaceflight}}
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Israel Aerospace Industries}}
{{Israeli Space Program|state=autocollapse}}
{{Rest of the World Reconnaissance Satellites}}
{{Orbital launches in 2016}}
Category:Reconnaissance satellites of Israel
Category:Israel Aerospace Industries satellites
Category:Spacecraft launched in 2016
Category:Spacecraft launched by Shavit rockets
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