[Satellite TODAY 06-24-10] Israel has launched the Ofeq 9 advanced remote sensing satellite aboard a Shavit rocket from an Israel Air Force test range, Israeli officials confirmed June 23.
    Following its orbital placement, the satellite will undergo several tests for validation of its serviceability and satisfactory performance. The satellite will join the Ofeq 5 satellite, launched in 2002 and Ofeq 7, launched in 2007.
    Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) developed and produced the satellite for the Israeli Ministry of Defense to boost the country’s space capabilities in cooperation with various other Israeli companies, including El-Op, IMI, Rafael, Tadiran-Spectralink and Elisra.