Israel on Monday successfully launched an advanced imaging satellite from the Sriharikota Launching Range in India, Xinhua has learnt.
The TECSAR satellite, produced by Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI), employs synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology designed to provide images during day, night and all weather conditions, including under cloud cover, according to a statement released by IAI.
It is the first satellite of its kind developed in Israel, and ranks among the world's most advanced space systems, the statement said.
IAI officials said the satellite, which weighs some 300 kg, was launched on an Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle in collaboration with a team of Indian and Israeli experts.
The ground station has received TECSAR's first signals 80minutes after it was launched at 7:10 a.m. (Israel time) (0510 GMT), immediately upon its reaching the station communication range. By all indications so far, the satellite is functioning properly.
Israeli engineers and scientists have commenced the prescribed series of in-orbit tests to verify its performance.
The decision to launch the missile from India was reached three years ago during a visit there by then-Defense Ministry director-general Amos Yaron. It is part of growing Indian-Israeli cooperation, and the first launch of an Israeli satellite aboard an Indian missile.
IAI President Itzhak Nissan told Xinhua that his company is very proud of this achievement, which serves as additional proof of IAI's great technological and administrative capabilities, and of IAI's leadership in the Israeli space industry and other areas of advanced technology.
Israel currently operates a number of reconnaissance satellites, including Ofek 5 and Ofek 7, as well as several commercial satellites such as the Amos and EROS series. A total of 11 Israeli satellites have been placed in orbit, a number of them still operational.
The Ofek 5 was launched in May 2002, and the Ofek 7 last July, from Israeli Palmachim missile range on Israel's coast.
Israel intends to launch another two spy satellites as part of its strategic cooperation commitments.
Source: Xinhua
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