# Ofeq-13

> Israeli reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q117325057](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q117325057)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ofeq-13)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ofeq-13

## Summary
Ofeq-13 is an Israeli reconnaissance satellite launched on March 28, 2023, designed to collect intelligence using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for all-weather, day-night surveillance. Part of the Ofeq series, it supports military operations and national security efforts. Operated by the Israel Defense Forces, it follows Ofeq-16 and precedes Ofeq-19 in the country's satellite constellation.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: March 28, 2023, at 23:10 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Shavit-2 (12th launch of the vehicle).
- **Mass**: 260 kg (launch weight).
- **Manufacturer**: Israel Aerospace Industries (spacecraft bus) and Elta (SAR payload).
- **Operator**: Israel Defense Forces, Visual Intelligence Division.
- **Orbit**: Retrograde orbit around Earth.
- **COSPAR ID**: 2023-044A.
- **Preceded By**: Ofeq-16; **Followed By**: Ofeq-19.
- ** Instruments**: Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for covert data collection.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Ofeq-13 launched?
A: Ofeq-13 was launched on March 28, 2023, at 23:10 UTC from Palmachim Airbase in Israel.

### Q: What is the primary purpose of Ofeq-13?
A: Ofeq-13 is a reconnaissance satellite equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to gather intelligence for military applications, capable of operating in all weather conditions.

### Q: Who manufactured Ofeq-13?
A: The spacecraft bus was built by Israel Aerospace Industries, and the SAR payload was developed by Elta.

## Why It Matters
Ofeq-13 plays a critical role in Israel’s national security framework by providing high-resolution imagery and SAR data for military intelligence. Its ability to operate in adverse weather and low-light conditions enhances situational awareness for defense operations. As part of the Ofeq series, it demonstrates Israel’s advanced space-based reconnaissance capabilities, ensuring strategic autonomy in a geopolitically sensitive region. The satellite’s launch underscores Israel’s commitment to maintaining a robust indigenous defense industry, including rocketry and satellite manufacturing, which is vital for its security strategy.

## Notable For
- **SAR Technology**: Utilizes synthetic aperture radar for all-weather surveillance, a key advancement over optical satellites.
- **Retrograde Orbit**: Operates in a unique retrograde orbit to optimize coverage of target areas.
- **Indigenous Development**: Entirely designed and launched by Israeli entities, showcasing national technological prowess.
- **Series Continuity**: Maintains Israel’s reconnaissance capabilities as part of the long-running Ofeq program.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date/Time**: Launched on March 28, 2023, at 23:10 UTC.
- **Site**: Palmachim Airbase, Israel.
- **Vehicle**: Shavit-2, a small-lift launch vehicle marking its 12th flight.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 260 kg at launch.
- **Power**: Equipped with two spacecraft solar arrays.
- **Payload**: Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system developed by Elta.
- **Bus Manufacturer**: Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

### Mission and Operations
- **Operator**: Israel Defense Forces, specifically the Visual Intelligence Division.
- **Orbit Type**: Retrograde orbit to avoid debris and optimize surveillance.
- **Purpose**: Covert data collection for military intelligence, leveraging SAR for penetration of clouds and darkness.

### Legacy
- **Predecessor**: Ofeq-16 (launched in 2020).
- **Successor**: Ofeq-19 (launch date not specified in sources).
- **Program**: Part of the Ofeq series, Israel’s primary reconnaissance satellite constellation since 1988.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Spacecraft",
  "name": "Ofeq-13",
  "description": "Israeli reconnaissance satellite equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for military intelligence gathering.",
  "url": "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12345678",  // Hypothetical Wikidata URL
  "sameAs": [
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ofeq-13",
    "https://he.wikipedia.org/wiki/עופק-13"
  ],
  "manufacturer": [
    "Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd",
    "Elta"
  ],
  "operator": "Israel Defense Forces",
  "launchDate": "2023-03-28",
  "launchVehicle": "Shavit-2",
  "mass": "260 kg",
  "satelliteOf": "Earth",
  "orbit": "Retrograde orbit"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/techsar-1.htm)
2. [Source](https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/israel-launches-new-surveillance-satellite)
3. [Source](http://www.iai.co.il/2013/35021-39439-en/SystemMissileandSpace_SpaceDivision_ObservationSatellites_TECSAR.aspx)
4. Jonathan's Space Report