# TecSAR-1

> former Israeli reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q1671009](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1671009)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TecSAR-1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tecsar-1

## Summary
TecSAR-1 was an Israeli reconnaissance satellite launched in 2008 that used synthetic aperture radar technology to conduct Earth observation missions. It was Israel's first satellite to use SAR technology and was launched by India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The satellite operated in low Earth orbit until its atmospheric re-entry in July 2024.

## Key Facts
- Launched on January 21, 2008 at 03:45 UTC from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in India
- Weighed 260 kilograms at launch
- Operated as a synthetic aperture radar satellite for Israeli intelligence purposes
- Had the COSPAR ID 2008-002A and NORAD ID 32476
- Was part of the Ofeq satellite series, following Ofeq-7 and preceding Ofeq-9
- Operated by the Visual Intelligence Division of Israel
- Manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (spacecraft bus) and Elta (payload)
- Powered by two solar arrays
- Re-entered Earth's atmosphere on July 3, 2024

## FAQs
### Q: What was TecSAR-1's primary mission?
A: TecSAR-1 was an Israeli reconnaissance satellite that used synthetic aperture radar to conduct Earth observation and intelligence gathering missions, capable of imaging through clouds and darkness.

### Q: Who launched TecSAR-1 and when?
A: TecSAR-1 was launched on January 21, 2008 at 03:45 UTC by India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C10) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in India.

### Q: How long did TecSAR-1 operate in space?
A: TecSAR-1 operated in low Earth orbit for approximately 16 years before re-entering Earth's atmosphere on July 3, 2024.

## Why It Matters
TecSAR-1 represented a significant advancement in Israeli space capabilities as the nation's first synthetic aperture radar reconnaissance satellite. Unlike optical satellites, SAR technology allowed TecSAR-1 to capture high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions or time of day, providing Israel with continuous intelligence gathering capabilities. The satellite's launch by India's PSLV also demonstrated growing international cooperation in space technology and marked one of the few instances of an Israeli satellite being launched by another country's space program. TecSAR-1's 16-year operational lifespan exceeded many initial mission expectations, providing valuable intelligence data over an extended period and advancing Israel's strategic surveillance capabilities in the Middle East region.

## Notable For
- First Israeli satellite to use synthetic aperture radar technology
- Launched by India's PSLV, marking rare international launch cooperation
- Operated for 16 years, far exceeding typical satellite lifespans
- Part of the Ofeq series, representing evolution in Israeli reconnaissance capabilities
- Weighed only 260 kg, demonstrating compact SAR satellite design

## Body
### Technical Specifications
TecSAR-1 was a compact synthetic aperture radar satellite with a launch mass of 260 kilograms. The satellite was powered by two solar arrays that provided electrical power for its operations. It operated in low Earth orbit, though specific orbital parameters are not detailed in the source material.

### Development and Manufacturing
The satellite was developed through collaboration between Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd, which manufactured the spacecraft bus, and Elta, which provided the SAR payload. This represented a significant technological achievement for Israeli aerospace industry, combining expertise in satellite bus design with advanced radar payload development.

### Launch and Operations
TecSAR-1 was launched on January 21, 2008 at 03:45 UTC aboard India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C10) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in India. This launch arrangement was notable as it represented one of the few instances of an Israeli satellite being launched by another nation's space program. The satellite was operated by Israel's Visual Intelligence Division for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering purposes.

### Mission Duration and End of Life
The satellite operated successfully for approximately 16 years in low Earth orbit before re-entering Earth's atmosphere on July 3, 2024. This extended operational lifespan demonstrates the durability and reliability of the satellite's design and construction.

### Alternative Designations
The satellite was known by multiple names including EL/M-2070 TecSAR, TechSAR, Polaris, Ofek-8, Ofeq-8, Horizon 8, TECSAR 1, Ofeq 8, and Офек-8, reflecting different naming conventions and program designations used by various organizations and agencies.

## Schema Markup
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  "name": "TecSAR-1",
  "description": "Former Israeli reconnaissance satellite launched in 2008 that used synthetic aperture radar technology for Earth observation missions.",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TecSAR-1",
  "sameAs": [
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  "additionalType": "reconnaissance satellite"
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/techsar-1.htm)
2. [Source](http://www.iai.co.il/2013/35021-39439-en/SystemMissileandSpace_SpaceDivision_ObservationSatellites_TECSAR.aspx)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](https://celestrak.org/satcat/table-satcat.php?NAME=Tecsar&PAYLOAD=1&MAX=500)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013