The Jerusalem Post
May. 28, 2002

Ofek 5 satellite put into space
by Arieh O'Sullivan

http://www.jpost.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=JPost/A/JPArticle/Full&cid=1021813258425

Israel has just launched the Shavit rocket with the Ofek 5 satellite as its payload, defense sources said.

It was still too early to know whether the launch was able to successfully put the spy satellite into orbit. The last time the Israeli-made Shavit attempted to launch a spy satellite, the Ofek 4, it failed and the multi-million dollar satellite burned up as it re-entered earth's orbit.

The launch took place at the missile test site at the Palmachim Beach air base south of Tel Aviv.

If successful, it would enhance Israel's satellite imaging capabilities, which it now purchases from private satellite operators.