Outer space

A glimpse into the technology behind Israel’s spy satellite program

Before the break of dawn on July 6, Israel upgraded its spy satellite capabilities by a considerable degree after successfully launching the “Ofek 16” satellite into space from central Israel. The satellite is designed to boost Israel’s ability to monitor the dangerous activities of its adversaries throughout the Middle East, including Iran and Hezbollah.

Such launches would not be possible without the participation of the Manor Division of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, which develops and produces space propulsion technology.

Shimshon [full name withheld], director at Space Systems in the Manor Division, gave JNS a glimpse into the little-known world of cutting-edge Israeli space technology.

“We deal mainly with two technologies for space. One is space propulsion, and the second is composite space structures [for securely affixing the satellite’s cameras],” he said.