Israel Successfully Launches ‘Ofek 19’ Reconnaissance Satellite

Jerusalem, 2 September, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s Ministry of Defense, the IDF, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) successfully launched the *Ofek 19* satellite into space on Tuesday night.
The launch was carried out using a “Shavit” satellite launcher from a test site in central Israel.

*Ofek 19* is an advanced radar reconnaissance satellite designed to provide high-resolution imaging capabilities under all weather conditions. After entering orbit around Earth, the satellite will undergo a series of tests to verify its performance and operational readiness.

The program is led by the Defense Ministry’s Space Directorate in MAFAT (Administration for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure), in cooperation with the IDF, including Unit 9900 of Military Intelligence and the Israeli Air Force.

IAI served as the prime contractor, with its Missile and Space Systems Division spearheading the project, supported by ELTA Systems (payload), MLM Division (launcher), and additional partners including Rafael and Tomer, which developed propulsion systems.