# Ofeq-5

> Israeli reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q16500035](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16500035)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ofeq-5

## Summary
Ofeq-5 is an Israeli reconnaissance satellite designed for covert intelligence gathering and military applications. Launched on May 28, 2002, it was manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries and operated by the Visual Intelligence Division of the Israel Defense Forces.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** May 28, 2002, at 15:25.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Shavit-1 (Flight 5).
- **Launch Site:** Palmachim Airbase, Israel.
- **Manufacturer:** Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
- **Operator:** Israel Defense Forces (Visual Intelligence Division).
- **Launch Mass:** 189 kilograms.
- **Power Source:** Two spacecraft solar arrays.
- **Orbit Type:** Retrograde orbit.
- **Atmospheric Entry:** February 21, 2024.
- **Identification Codes:** COSPAR 2002-025A and SCN 27434.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of Ofeq-5?
A: Ofeq-5 is a reconnaissance satellite used by the Israel Defense Forces for covertly collecting data for intelligence and military applications. It is part of the Ofeq series of Israeli satellites.

### Q: Who built and managed Ofeq-5?
A: The satellite was manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. It was operated by the Visual Intelligence Division of the Israel Defense Forces.

### Q: How long was Ofeq-5 in operation?
A: Ofeq-5 was launched in May 2002 and remained in orbit for over 21 years until its atmospheric entry on February 21, 2024.

### Q: What makes the launch of Ofeq-5 significant within its series?
A: Ofeq-5 was a successful mission positioned between two major failures; both its predecessor (Ofeq-4) and its successor (Ofeq-6) were destroyed during launch failures.

## Why It Matters
Ofeq-5 represents a critical success for Israel's independent space-based reconnaissance capabilities. As a member of the Ofeq series, it provided the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) with essential visual intelligence for over two decades. Its successful deployment was particularly vital for the continuity of the program, as it was the only operational success in a sequence of three missions—both Ofeq-4 and Ofeq-6 were lost due to launch failures.

The satellite's operation in a retrograde orbit is a distinctive technical requirement for Israeli launches from Palmachim Airbase, ensuring that launch stages fall into the Mediterranean Sea rather than over populated or hostile land. With a service life extending from 2002 to 2024, Ofeq-5 demonstrated remarkable longevity for a small-lift reconnaissance satellite. Its presence allowed the IDF Visual Intelligence Division to maintain persistent surveillance capabilities during a period of significant regional activity, proving the reliability of the Shavit-1 launch vehicle and the manufacturing standards of Israel Aerospace Industries.

## Notable For
- **Operational Continuity:** Successfully reached orbit following the launch failure of Ofeq-4, maintaining Israel's reconnaissance capabilities.
- **Extended Longevity:** Remained in orbit for nearly 22 years, far exceeding the typical lifespan of many small reconnaissance satellites.
- **Retrograde Orbit:** Utilized a specialized orbital path opposite to the Earth's rotation, a hallmark of Israeli space missions.
- **Manufacturer:** Produced by Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd, the primary developer of Israel's space and defense technology.

## Body

### Mission and Launch
Ofeq-5 (also known by the aliases Ofek-5 and Horizon 5) was launched on May 28, 2002. The launch took place at 15:25 from Palmachim Airbase in Israel. The mission utilized the Shavit-1 launch vehicle, specifically the fifth flight of this small-lift rocket.

### Technical Specifications
The satellite had a launch weight of 189 kilograms. It was equipped with two spacecraft solar arrays to provide power during its mission. The spacecraft was designed and built by Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd (IAI).

### Operational History
Ofeq-5 was operated by the Visual Intelligence Division of the Israel Defense Forces. It functioned as a reconnaissance satellite, a class of spacecraft dedicated to covert data collection for military and intelligence purposes. It was tracked under the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 27434 and COSPAR ID 2002-025A.

### Program Context
The Ofeq program is a series of Israeli satellites. Ofeq-5 followed Ofeq-4, which was destroyed in a launch failure. The subsequent satellite, Ofeq-6, also suffered a launch failure and was destroyed. Ofeq-5 remained a stable operational asset during these program setbacks.

### End of Mission
After nearly 22 years in space, Ofeq-5 concluded its mission. The satellite made its atmospheric entry on February 21, 2024.

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Ofeq-5",
  "description": "Israeli reconnaissance satellite launched in 2002 and operated by the Israel Defense Forces.",
  "alternateName": ["Ofek-5", "Horizon 5"],
  "additionalType": "reconnaissance satellite"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/ofeq-5.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://celestrak.org/satcat/table-satcat.php?NAME=Ofeq&PAYLOAD=1&MAX=500)