Israel launched a three-stage Shavit rocket carrying a 300-kilogram Ofek-5 spy satellite yesterday, providing the country with renewed early warning capabilities.  The satellite, which will orbit at an altitude of 370 to 600 kilometers, will provide the Israeli military with information on changes in military deployments in rival countries including Iraq and Iran, according to Ha’aretz (see GSN, May 28).

The satellite will begin transmitting in two weeks, after operators run tests.  Israel lost early warning capabilities when Ofek-3 burned up in the atmosphere a year ago and the Ofek-4 launch failed in 1998.  Officials have been using the civilian satellite Eros for imagery (Amnon Barzilai, Ha’aretz, May 29).

Yesterday’s launch also demonstrated Israel’s advanced missile capability, experts said.  The Shavit rocket is related to the long-range Jericho missile, which can carry nuclear warheads, according to foreign analysts.  Israeli officials refuse to comment on its payload capability (Associated Press/CNN, May 28).

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