# Shavit

> Israeli small-lift launch vehicle

**Wikidata**: [Q117330182](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q117330182)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/shavit

## Summary
Shavit is an Israeli small-lift launch vehicle designed to carry small payloads into low-Earth orbit. It is an expendable, solid-propellant rocket manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd and serves as a primary example of Israeli orbital launch technology.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Small-lift launch vehicle and expendable launch vehicle.
- **Propulsion:** Solid-propellant rocket.
- **Manufacturer:** Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
- **Country of Origin:** Israel.
- **First Flight:** September 19, 1988.
- **Service Retirement:** January 23, 1998.
- **Primary Launch Site:** Palmachim Airbase.
- **Payload Capacity:** 160 kilograms to a polar orbit.
- **Associated Payloads:** Ofeq-1 and Ofeq-2 technology demonstration satellites.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of the Shavit rocket?
A: Shavit is a small-lift launch vehicle used to deliver small payloads, such as technology demonstration satellites, into low-Earth orbit. It is an expendable system, meaning it is used only once per mission.

### Q: Which organization manufactured the Shavit?
A: The Shavit was manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd in Israel.

### Q: What was the first satellite launched by Shavit?
A: The Shavit was used to launch Ofeq-1, an Israeli technology demonstration satellite, following the vehicle's first flight in September 1988.

### Q: Where are Shavit rockets launched from?
A: Shavit launches are conducted from the Palmachim Airbase in Israel.

## Why It Matters
Shavit represents a significant milestone in Israel's aerospace capabilities, serving as the nation's primary small-lift launch vehicle during its operational period. As an expendable launch vehicle, it provided a dedicated platform for placing small payloads into low-Earth orbit, specifically supporting the development and deployment of the Ofeq satellite series. Its development by Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd established Israel as a country capable of indigenous space launch, utilizing solid-propellant rocket technology.

The vehicle's operational history, spanning from its inaugural flight in 1988 to its retirement in 1998, highlights its role in early Israeli space exploration and technology demonstration. By successfully launching satellites like Ofeq-1 and Ofeq-2 from the Palmachim Airbase, Shavit demonstrated the technical feasibility of Israeli-made orbital delivery systems. This capability is crucial for nations seeking independent access to space, particularly for small-scale scientific or technological missions. The Shavit's specific design for polar orbits with a 160 kg payload capacity reflects a specialized engineering focus on small-lift requirements. Its legacy is tied to the advancement of solid-propellant propulsion systems within the Israeli aerospace sector, paving the way for subsequent developments in the country's space program.

## Notable For
- **National Milestone:** Served as Israel's first indigenous orbital launch vehicle.
- **Solid-Propellant Design:** Utilizes solid-propellant rocket technology for orbital insertion.
- **Satellite Deployment:** Successfully launched the Ofeq-1 and Ofeq-2 technology demonstration satellites.
- **Specific Orbit Capability:** Optimized for delivering 160 kg payloads specifically into polar orbits.

## Body

### Technical Classification and Design
The Shavit is categorized as a small-lift launch vehicle and an expendable launch vehicle (ELV). As a solid-propellant rocket, it relies on solid fuel for its propulsion stages. The vehicle was engineered by Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd to meet the specific requirements of the Israeli space program, focusing on the delivery of light payloads to low-Earth orbit.

### Operational Timeline
The operational history of the Shavit began on September 19, 1988, with its successful first flight. The vehicle remained in active service for approximately ten years. According to historical records, the service retirement for this specific rocket model occurred on January 23, 1998. Throughout its service life, the Palmachim Airbase served as the designated start point for its missions.

### Payload and Performance
The Shavit was designed with a specific payload mass capacity of 160 kilograms. This performance metric is specifically associated with reaching a polar orbit. Its primary mission profile involved the transport of "Ofeq" series satellites.

### Mission History
The Shavit is closely linked to the Ofeq satellite program. Notable missions include:
*   **Ofeq-1:** An Israeli technology demonstration satellite that served as a primary payload for the vehicle.
*   **Ofeq-2:** A subsequent technology demonstration satellite launched to further test Israeli space systems.

These missions were essential for demonstrating the reliability of the launch vehicle and the functionality of Israeli-produced satellite technology in a space environment.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/shavit.htm)