Israel launched its Offeq 3 intelligence satellite on 5 April. The satellite is intended to form part of a ballistic- missile early-warning system. The Offeq 3 was built by Israel Aircraft Industries and was launched into its low-Earth orbit by an advanced version of the Shavit three-stage launcher. A high-resolution optical payload and other sensors are carried. El Op developed the optical sensor and Tadiran developed the data link.

Source: Flight International