| Names | Ofeq-16 |
|---|---|
| Mission type | Optical reconnaissance |
| Operator | Israeli Ministry of Defence / Israel Defense Forces |
| COSPAR ID | 2020-056A |
| SATCAT no. | 41759 |
| Mission duration | 5 years (planned) 4 years, 4 months and 18 days (in progress) |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft | Ofeq-16 |
| Bus | OPSAT-3000 |
| Manufacturer | Israel Aerospace Industries |
| Launch mass | 370 kg (820 lb) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 6 July 2020, 01:00 UTC |
| Rocket | Shavit 2 (No.11) |
| Launch site | Palmachim Air Base |
| Contractor | Israel Aerospace Industries |
| Entered service | July 2020 |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
| Regime | Low Earth orbit |
| Perigee altitude | 341 km (212 mi) |
| Apogee altitude | 594 km (369 mi) |
| Inclination | 142.53° |
| Period | 94.0 minutes |
Ofek-16, also known as Ofeq-16, is an Israeli electro-optical[1] reconnaissance satellite. It is part of the Ofeq family, designed and built by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for the Israeli Ministry of Defence.
The Space Administration in the Ministry of Defence has led the development and production of the satellite and its launcher.[2] IAI is the main contractor. Its Systems, Missiles and Space Group led the program, together with the MLM Division, which is responsible for the development of the launcher. Elbit Systems developed and produced the satellite's camera and payload. The launch engines were developed by Rafael and Tomer, a government-owned weapons technology company.[3]
Among other companies participating in the program are BAE Systems Rokar and Cielo Inertial Solutions,[3] who provided navigation systems and for "satellite full autonomy".[4] Israel Defence Forces officials, primarily from the Intelligence Corps and Air Force, have also been deeply involved in the satellite development process.[5]
nasaspaceflight was invoked but never defined (see the help page).ctech was invoked but never defined (see the help page).