Israeli Spy Satellite Launches

Here's a launch that went almost unnoticed. An Israeli military spy satellite blasted off on Monday morning from the Palmachim Air Force Base. This is a locally-designed and built rocket and satellite, launched completely unannounced. There isn't much known about the satellite, Ofeq-7, except that it's in low-Earth orbit, and will replace the aging Ofeq-5 spy satellite. Coy military officials implied that the satellite could be used to keep an eye on Iran's military ambitions.

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Fraser Cain

Fraser Cain

Fraser Cain is the publisher of Universe Today, founding the website in March 1999. He's also the co-host of Astronomy Cast.