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Ofek
Launch Failure
Liftoff Time (GMT)
23:59:59
Saturday May 15, 1993
Mission Details
Launch Notes
Failed launch of Shavit, for unknown reasons. The failure was kept secret for 25 years before being revealed, but the details of the mission remain unknown. Approximate launch date. Last flight of the first Shavit version.
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.
Retrograde Low Earth Orbit
1 Payload
189 kilograms
Launch Site
Stats
Shavit
4th
Mission
1st
Mission of 1993
Israel Aerospace Industries
4th
Mission
1st
Mission of 1993
1993
33rd
Orbital launch attempt