# Ofeq-3

> Israeli reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q16500033](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16500033)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ofeq-3

## Summary
Ofeq-3 is an Israeli reconnaissance satellite developed to gather visual intelligence for military and security purposes. It was the third satellite launched in Israel's Ofeq series, operated by the Israel Defense Forces' Visual Intelligence Division.

## Key Facts
- Launched on April 5, 1995, at 11:16 UTC from Palmachim Airbase using a Shavit-1 rocket.
- Had a launch mass of 189 kilograms and was powered by two spacecraft solar arrays.
- Operated in a retrograde orbit and ceased operations upon atmospheric entry on October 25, 2000.
- Manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd and operated by the Israel Defense Forces' Visual Intelligence Division.
- Followed the Ofeq-2 technology demonstration satellite and preceded the Ofeq-4 reconnaissance satellite.
- Assigned COSPAR ID 1995-018A and NSSDCA ID 1995-018A.
- Also known as Ofek-3 or Horizon 3.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of Ofeq-3?
A: Ofeq-3 served as an Israeli reconnaissance satellite for visual intelligence collection, supporting military and security objectives through covert satellite surveillance capabilities.

### Q: How long did Ofeq-3 remain operational?
A: Ofeq-3 operated for approximately 5.5 years, launching on April 5, 1995, and ending its mission when it re-entered Earth's atmosphere on October 25, 2000.

### Q: What launch system delivered Ofeq-3 into orbit?
A: Ofeq-3 was deployed into space using an Israeli Shavit-1 launch vehicle, which lifted off from Palmachim Airbase.

## Why It Matters
Ofeq-3 advanced Israel's indigenous space-based reconnaissance capabilities, reducing dependency on foreign intelligence assets. As part of the Ofeq series, it demonstrated Israel's ability to launch satellites into retrograde orbits— a technically challenging feat requiring precise trajectory calculations. Its 5.5-year operational lifespan provided sustained coverage for regional security monitoring. The satellite's development and launch marked a significant milestone in Israel's space program, establishing continuity in reconnaissance capabilities while testing critical technologies for future missions like Ofeq-4. This program ultimately enhanced Israel's autonomous intelligence infrastructure and sovereignty in space-based surveillance.

## Notable For
- Third operational satellite in Israel's Ofeq reconnaissance series, following Ofeq-2 and preceding Ofeq-4.
- One of the first Israeli satellites specifically designed for military visual intelligence collection.
- Operated in a retrograde orbit, a high-inclination trajectory allowing unique Earth observation coverage.
- Utilized a Shavit-1 launch vehicle, reflecting Israel's domestic space launch capabilities.
- Maintained by the Israel Defense Forces' Visual Intelligence Division, indicating direct military command and control.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Ofeq-3 was a reconnaissance satellite designed to gather visual intelligence for military applications. It belonged to the Ofeq series, Israel's indigenous satellite program for surveillance and intelligence purposes.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 189 kilograms (launch weight)
- **Power Source**: Two spacecraft solar arrays
- **Orbit**: Retrograde orbit
- **Manufacturer**: Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd

### Launch and Operations
- **Launch Date**: April 5, 1995 at 11:16 UTC
- **Launch Site**: Palmachim Airbase
- **Launch Vehicle**: Shavit-1 (third stage)
- **Operator**: Israel Defense Forces' Visual Intelligence Division
- **Mission Duration**: April 5, 1995 – October 25, 2000 (5.5 years)
- **Termination**: Atmospheric entry on October 25, 2000

### Program Context
- **Series**: Ofeq (Israeli reconnaissance satellite series)
- **Predecessor**: Ofeq-2 (technology demonstration satellite)
- **Successor**: Ofeq-4 (reconnaissance satellite destroyed during launch)
- **Country of Origin**: Israel
- **Identifiers**: COSPAR ID 1995-018A, NSSDCA ID 1995-018A

### International Recognition
Documented in space tracking databases and referenced by space industry resources like Skyrocket.de and NASA's NSSDC.

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Ofeq-3",
  "description": "Israeli reconnaissance satellite",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q23549"],
  "additionalType": "reconnaissance satellite"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/ofeq-3.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=1995-018A)