# Ofeq-10

> Israeli reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q16269421](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16269421)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ofeq-10)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ofeq-10

## Summary
Ofeq-10 is an Israeli reconnaissance satellite launched on April 9, 2014, from Palmachim Airbase. It operates as a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite, providing all-weather, day-and-night imaging capabilities for Israeli intelligence and military operations.

## Key Facts
- Launched on April 9, 2014, at 19:06:02 UTC from Palmachim Airbase
- Weighs 260 kilograms (launch weight)
- Operates in a retrograde orbit
- Carries synthetic aperture radar as its primary scientific instrument
- Operated by the Israel Defense Forces' Visual Intelligence Division
- Manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (spacecraft bus) and Elta (payload)
- Follows Ofeq-9 and was followed by Ofeq-11 in the Ofeq series
- Has COSPAR ID 2014-019A and NSSDCA ID 2014-019A
- Also known as TecSAR-2 and Horizon 10
- Launched using a Shavit-2 rocket (9th flight of this launch vehicle)

### Q: What type of satellite is Ofeq-10?
A: Ofeq-10 is a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) reconnaissance satellite that provides imaging capabilities regardless of weather conditions or time of day.

### Q: Who operates Ofeq-10?
A: Ofeq-10 is operated by the Israel Defense Forces, specifically through their Visual Intelligence Division.

### Q: When and where was Ofeq-10 launched?
A: Ofeq-10 was launched on April 9, 2014, at 19:06:02 UTC from Palmachim Airbase in Israel.

### Q: What is the mass of Ofeq-10?
A: Ofeq-10 has a launch mass of 260 kilograms.

### Q: What launch vehicle was used for Ofeq-10?
A: Ofeq-10 was launched using a Shavit-2 rocket, which was its 9th flight.

## Why It Matters
Ofeq-10 represents a critical component of Israel's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. As a synthetic aperture radar satellite, it provides Israel with the ability to monitor activities and gather intelligence in all weather conditions and at any time of day, which is essential for national security in a region with complex geopolitical dynamics. The satellite's imaging capabilities support military operations, border security, and strategic planning by providing high-resolution data that complements other intelligence-gathering methods. Its placement in a retrograde orbit allows for specific coverage patterns that align with Israel's strategic needs. The Ofeq-10 mission demonstrates Israel's advanced space technology capabilities and its commitment to maintaining technological superiority in intelligence gathering, which is particularly significant given the country's geographic constraints and security challenges.

## Notable For
- First Israeli SAR satellite to operate in a retrograde orbit
- Part of Israel's indigenous satellite reconnaissance program
- Provides all-weather, day-and-night imaging capabilities
- Demonstrates Israel's advanced space launch capabilities from its own territory
- Represents the 10th satellite in the Ofeq series, showing program maturity

## Body
### Technical Specifications
Ofeq-10 is a synthetic aperture radar satellite with a launch mass of 260 kilograms. The satellite is powered by two solar arrays and carries a synthetic aperture radar as its primary scientific instrument. It was manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd for the spacecraft bus and Elta for the payload.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched on April 9, 2014, at 19:06:02 UTC from Palmachim Airbase using a Shavit-2 launch vehicle. This was the 9th flight of the Shavit-2 rocket. The launch vehicle successfully placed Ofeq-10 into a retrograde orbit.

### Operational Characteristics
Ofeq-10 operates as a reconnaissance satellite under the control of the Israel Defense Forces' Visual Intelligence Division. The satellite's SAR capabilities allow it to provide imaging data regardless of weather conditions or time of day, making it a valuable asset for continuous surveillance and intelligence gathering.

### Program Context
As the 10th satellite in the Ofeq series, Ofeq-10 follows Ofeq-9 and precedes Ofeq-11. The Ofeq program represents Israel's indigenous satellite reconnaissance capabilities, with each satellite building upon previous technological developments. Ofeq-10 is also known by the alternate names TecSAR-2 and Horizon 10.

### Identification and Documentation
The satellite has been assigned COSPAR ID 2014-019A and NSSDCA ID 2014-019A. It is documented in various space tracking databases and has been referenced in technical documentation available through sources like space.skyrocket.de.

## Schema Markup
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Ofeq-10",
  "description": "Israeli reconnaissance satellite launched on April 9, 2014, operating as a synthetic aperture radar satellite",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ofeq-10",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7845079",
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  ],
  "additionalType": "reconnaissance satellite"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/techsar-1.htm)
2. [Source](http://www.iai.co.il/2013/35021-39439-en/SystemMissileandSpace_SpaceDivision_ObservationSatellites_TECSAR.aspx)
3. Jonathan's Space Report