Ofek

The launched satellite is supposed to be similar to Ofek-3. The Ofek 3 series was the first generation of Israeli spy satellites. Intended for surveillance of Israel's neighbours, the Ofek series is unusual in having a retrograde orbit. This is due to the geographical location of Israel, which gives only an unobstructed launch path over the mediterranean sea. It is similar to the EROS-A civilian Earth observation satellite.