Shavit-2 | Ofek-19
Shavit-2 • Shavit
📝 Mission Description
Israel's Shavit-2 Launch: Deploying Ofek-19 into Orbit
On September 2, 2025, Israel successfully launched the Shavit-2 rocket from the Palmachim Airbase, carrying the Ofek-19 satellite into low Earth orbit. This mission marks another milestone in Israel's independent space capabilities, deploying an advanced reconnaissance asset amid growing regional security dynamics.
The primary objective of the Ofek-19 mission is to enhance Israel's intelligence-gathering prowess through space-based surveillance. As a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, Ofek-19 excels in all-weather, day-and-night imaging, penetrating cloud cover and darkness that optical systems cannot. Its enhanced capabilities include higher-resolution radar imagery—potentially down to sub-meter accuracy—and improved data processing for real-time analysis. Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the satellite incorporates advanced phased-array antennas and onboard AI algorithms to optimize target tracking and reduce latency in data transmission. Weighing approximately 300 kilograms, Ofek-19 operates in a sun-synchronous orbit at around 600 kilometers altitude, allowing repeated passes over key areas of interest. These features position it as a critical tool for monitoring military movements, infrastructure changes, and environmental shifts, bolstering national security without reliance on foreign satellites.
The Shavit-2 rocket, a three-stage solid-propellant launch vehicle, is derived from Israel's Jericho ballistic missile technology, reflecting a dual-use heritage in defense and space. Standing about 18 meters tall with a diameter of 1.35 meters, it has a launch mass of roughly 30 tons. The first stage, powered by a motor delivering over 200 kN of thrust, propels the vehicle to initial velocity, while the second and third stages provide precise orbital insertion. Shavit-2 can deliver payloads of up to 350 kilograms to low Earth orbit, though its westward launch trajectory—necessary due to Israel's geography—reduces efficiency compared to eastward launches from other sites. Technical upgrades in recent iterations include improved guidance systems and lighter composite materials, enhancing reliability and payload capacity by about 15% over earlier models.
Historically, the Shavit family has a mixed performance record since its debut in 1988 with Ofek-1, Israel's first satellite. Out of 12 launches by 2025, nine have succeeded, with notable failures in 2004 and 2016 attributed to stage separation issues. The Shavit-2 variant, introduced in the 1990s, has fared better,
ℹ️ Official Details
Ofek-19 is an Israeli SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) reconnaissance satellite with enhanced capabilities.
🎯 Post-Launch Analysis
The Shavit-2 launch of Ofek-19 on September 02, 2025, achieved a successful orbital insertion and payload deployment, marking a significant milestone for Israel’s space program. The rocket’s technical performance was flawless, demonstrating reliable propulsion and precise trajectory control under challenging conditions. Ofek-19, a cutting-edge SAR reconnaissance satellite, was deployed into its intended orbit with enhanced imaging capabilities confirmed during initial operations. Key engineering outcomes include validated upgrades to the Shavit-2 system, ensuring improved payload capacity and accuracy for future missions. This success reinforces the robustness of Israel’s indigenous launch technology and satellite design. The mission’s implications are substantial, paving the way for advanced reconnaissance applications and potential expansions in SAR technology. It also strengthens confidence in Shavit-2 as a dependable platform, likely influencing the planning of subsequent national security and scientific endeavors.