# Ofeq-16

> Israeli reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q97011568](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q97011568)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ofek-16)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ofeq-16

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Ofeq-16**:

---

## Summary  
Ofeq-16 is an Israeli reconnaissance satellite designed for covert intelligence and military data collection. Launched in 2020, it is part of the Ofeq series and operated by the Israel Defense Forces' Visual Intelligence Division. The satellite orbits Earth in a retrograde trajectory and was launched aboard a Shavit-2 rocket.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: July 6, 2020, at 01:00 UTC from Palmachim Airbase.  
- **Operator**: Israel Defense Forces (Visual Intelligence Division).  
- **Manufacturer**: Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Shavit-2 (11th launch of this vehicle).  
- **Orbit Type**: Retrograde orbit.  
- **Power Source**: Equipped with 2 solar arrays.  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2020-044A.  
- **Preceded by**: Ofeq-11.  
- **Succeeded by**: Ofeq-13.  
- **Aliases**: Ofek-16, Horizon 16.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is the purpose of Ofeq-16?  
A: Ofeq-16 is a reconnaissance satellite used by Israel for military and intelligence data collection, such as surveillance and imagery.  

### Q: Who built Ofeq-16?  
A: It was manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd and launched by the Israel Defense Forces.  

### Q: How does Ofeq-16 compare to earlier Ofeq satellites?  
A: It follows Ofeq-11 and precedes Ofeq-13, continuing Israel's advancements in reconnaissance satellite technology.  

## Why It Matters  
Ofeq-16 plays a critical role in Israel's national security by providing real-time intelligence and surveillance capabilities. As part of the Ofeq series, it enhances Israel's ability to monitor regional threats independently. The satellite's retrograde orbit allows for unique observational advantages, making it a key asset for military strategy. Its launch also demonstrates Israel's self-reliant space program, capable of deploying advanced reconnaissance technology without foreign dependence.  

## Notable For  
- Part of Israel's long-running Ofeq satellite series, which began in the 1980s.  
- Launched from Palmachim Airbase, a key facility for Israel's space missions.  
- Operated by the Visual Intelligence Division, a specialized branch of the Israel Defense Forces.  

## Body  
### Launch and Deployment  
- Launched on **July 6, 2020**, at 01:00 UTC.  
- Used the **Shavit-2** rocket, marking its 11th launch.  
- Deployed from **Palmachim Airbase**, Israel's primary space launch site.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Power System**: 2 solar arrays for energy.  
- **Orbit**: Retrograde, optimizing surveillance coverage.  
- **Manufacturer**: Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.  

### Operational Context  
- Operated by the **Visual Intelligence Division** of the Israel Defense Forces.  
- Follows **Ofeq-11** and precedes **Ofeq-13** in the series.  

## Schema Markup  
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Ofeq-16",
  "description": "Israeli reconnaissance satellite launched in 2020 for military intelligence.",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q45860"],
  "additionalType": "Reconnaissance satellite"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/ofeq-11.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report