# Ofeq-2

> Israeli technology demonstration satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q16500031](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16500031)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ofeq-2

## Summary
Ofeq-2 was an Israeli technology demonstration satellite launched in 1990 to test experimental technologies. It was part of Israel's Ofeq program and was launched aboard a Shavit rocket from Palmachim Airbase, eventually decaying from orbit in July 1990.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Technology demonstration spacecraft
- **Launch date**: April 3, 1990, at 12:02 UTC
- **Launch vehicle**: Shavit (second flight)
- **Launch site**: Palmachim Airbase, Israel
- **Operator**: Israel Space Agency
- **Manufacturer**: Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd
- **Mass**: 160 kg (launch weight)
- **Height**: 2.3 meters
- **Diameter**: 1.2 meters
- **Orbit**: Retrograde orbit
- **Power source**: Spacecraft solar array (246 W at beginning of life, 53 W at end of life)
- **Decay date**: July 9, 1990
- **Predecessor**: Ofeq-1
- **Successor**: Ofeq-3
- **Aliases**: Ofek-2, Oz 2, Horizon 2

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Ofeq-2?
A: Ofeq-2 was a technology demonstration satellite designed to test experimental technologies for Israel's Ofeq program.

### Q: Who launched Ofeq-2?
A: Ofeq-2 was launched by Israel using the Shavit rocket from Palmachim Airbase on April 3, 1990.

### Q: How long did Ofeq-2 remain in orbit?
A: Ofeq-2 decayed from orbit on July 9, 1990, about three months after its launch.

### Q: What was the mass of Ofeq-2?
A: Ofeq-2 had a launch mass of 160 kilograms.

### Q: What was the power source of Ofeq-2?
A: Ofeq-2 was powered by a spacecraft solar array, providing 246 watts at the beginning of its mission and 53 watts at the end.

## Why It Matters
Ofeq-2 was significant as it demonstrated Israel's growing capability in satellite technology and spaceflight. As part of the Ofeq program, it contributed to Israel's efforts to develop indigenous space capabilities, including reconnaissance and technology demonstration. The satellite's launch and subsequent decay provided valuable data on atmospheric re-entry and orbital dynamics. Ofeq-2 also marked a milestone in Israel's space program, showcasing the country's ability to design, build, and operate satellites independently. Its role in testing experimental technologies laid the groundwork for future Israeli space missions, including the Ofeq-3 reconnaissance satellite.

## Notable For
- **First Israeli technology demonstration satellite**: Ofeq-2 was the first of its kind in Israel's Ofeq program.
- **Tested experimental technologies**: It served as a platform for evaluating new satellite systems and components.
- **Short orbital lifespan**: Ofeq-2 decayed quickly, providing insights into atmospheric re-entry and orbital decay.
- **Part of Israel's space program**: It contributed to Israel's broader efforts in space exploration and defense.
- **Powered by solar array**: The satellite's solar array provided critical power for its mission.

## Body
### Overview
Ofeq-2 was an Israeli technology demonstration satellite launched on April 3, 1990, aboard a Shavit rocket from Palmachim Airbase. It was part of Israel's Ofeq program, which aimed to develop indigenous satellite capabilities. The satellite was designed to test experimental technologies and demonstrate Israel's growing spaceflight expertise.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 160 kg at launch.
- **Dimensions**: 2.3 meters in height and 1.2 meters in diameter.
- **Power**: Equipped with a spacecraft solar array, providing 246 watts at the beginning of its mission and 53 watts at the end.
- **Orbit**: Operated in a retrograde orbit.

### Mission Details
- **Launch**: April 3, 1990, at 12:02 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Shavit, the second flight of the rocket.
- **Operator**: Israel Space Agency.
- **Manufacturer**: Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
- **Decay**: The satellite decayed from orbit on July 9, 1990.

### Significance
Ofeq-2 was a pivotal mission in Israel's space program, demonstrating the country's ability to design, build, and operate satellites independently. It contributed to the development of Israel's space capabilities, including reconnaissance and technology demonstration. The satellite's short orbital lifespan provided valuable data on atmospheric re-entry and orbital dynamics.

### Predecessor and Successor
- **Predecessor**: Ofeq-1, another technology demonstration satellite.
- **Successor**: Ofeq-3, a reconnaissance satellite.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Ofeq-2",
  "description": "Israeli technology demonstration satellite launched in 1990 to test experimental technologies.",
  "additionalType": "Spacecraft",
  "manufacturer": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd"
  },
  "operator": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Israel Space Agency"
  },
  "launchDate": "1990-04-03",
  "launchVehicle": "Shavit",
  "mass": {
    "@type": "QuantitativeValue",
    "value": "160",
    "unitCode": "KGM"
  },
  "height": {
    "@type": "QuantitativeValue",
    "value": "2.3",
    "unitCode": "MTR"
  },
  "diameter": {
    "@type": "QuantitativeValue",
    "value": "1.2",
    "unitCode": "MTR"
  },
  "orbit": "Retrograde orbit",
  "powerSource": "Spacecraft solar array",
  "decayDate": "1990-07-09",
  "predecessor": "Ofeq-1",
  "successor": "Ofeq-3",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q20540",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ofeq-2"
  ]
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/ofeq-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1990-027A)
4. [Source](https://space.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/QuickLooks/ofeq12QL.html)