The launch of the Israeli intelligence satellite Ofek-6
failed on Monday when its Shavit rocket malfunctioned in its
third and final stage. Ofek-6 was expected to provide Israel
with intelligence data on countries in the Middle East,
particularly Iran, which have ballistic missile and nuclear
weapons programs.
The loss is estimated at $100 million. Foreign sources said
that the Shavit rocket used is a commercial adaptation of the
Jericho surface-to-surface ballistic missile.
The launch seemed to be proceeding well until the completion
of the second stage of three, when a third rocket was
supposed to push Ofek-6 into an elliptical path approximately
400-600 kilometers above Earth. However, the third-stage of
the rocket failed, sending the satellite plummeting into the
sea, implementing a fail-safe strategy.
Unlike other countries, Israel launches its satellites into
space westward, against the earth's orbit. To the east Israel
is surrounded by hostile countries and it does not want
failed rockets to fall on their territory. To the west is the
Mediterranean Sea. Because of this, Israel must use a
stronger rocket than one that can be used in the direction of
the earth's orbit.
The engines for the first two stages of the Shavit are made
by the Givon factory of Israel Military Industries, and are
an integral part of the Shavit launcher. The engine for the
third stage is made by Rafael and is not integral to the
Shavit, but is an important component of the satellite. This
last engine pushes the satellite into orbit and then breaks
off from it.
The defense establishment, plans to push ahead with more
launches to boost its surveillance over Iran's nuclear
weapons program.
Currently, Ofek-5 is orbiting the Earth. It has been in
operation since 2002 and has an expected life of only about
two more years. It has a four-year life span and its
producers say it is the only satellite in its class that
produces such high-resolution pictures from space. Its
telescopic camera was designed by Elbit Systems. It is
forward looking but has variable directionality.
The 300-kilo Ofek 5 satellite is in an elliptical orbit that
reportedly takes it over Iran, Iraq and Syria once every 90
minutes. Analysts said that it is likely that it will
function for at least four more years, until 2008.
Israel is one of just eight countries capable of putting
objects into orbit.
The launch of the Ofek 6 was kept secret until its failure
when the Defense Ministry put out a short statement.
The failed launch came two weeks after an Arrow-2 anti-
ballistic rocket partially failed in a test to shoot down an
incoming rocket with a multiple warhead. The Shavit II is
made at Israel Aircraft Industries' MLM Division plant in
Be'er Yaakov, which also makes the Arrow rocket.
"The space business is a very, very complicated business. I
don't think we have to worry about harm to our image," said
Uzi Eilam, a former chief scientist and director of R&D at
the Defense Ministry. "Remember the Europeans, Americans and
Russians have all had their share of failures."
In 1998, the attempt to lift the Ofek 4 satellite failed. An
inquiry into that secret launch found that the problem was
also in the booster phase, but the exact malfunction is still
classified.
The Ofek 3 was launched in 1995. It had a three-year expected
life span, but ended up operating about twice that, much to
the delight of the defense establishment which otherwise
would have found itself without any spy satellite after the
failure of the 1998 Ofek 4 launch.
Israel embarked on its spy satellite program over two decades
ago when the US turned down its requests for such
intelligence. For many years, the IDF and Defense Ministry
have sought to acquire an orbital capability to monitor
activities in Iran and Iraq.
Now, instead of circling the earth, the Ofek 6 lies in the
depths of the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Army radio reported
that there were voices in the defense establishment
considering retrieving it from the sea floor, but experts
said that there was not much point.
