Israel’s new Ofek spy satellite will cover Iran, Syria

 The new-generation Ofek 13 reconnaissance satellite was launched Tuesday night into a round-the-clock, all-weather earth orbit that enhances Israel’s regional monitoring capacity, including Iran and Syria. Wednesday morning, the satellite began transmitting data, the defense ministry reported. It was boosted from central Israel by a Shavit. Ofek 13’s advanced SAR (synthetic-aperture radar) capabilities were developed by the Defense Ministry, the IDF Intelligence Division’s 990 Unit, the Air Force, Aerospace Industries and Elta. e Tomer ad Rafael firms built the booster’s engines.