On April 5, 1995, Israel launched its first space-based missile early warning system satellite, the Offeq Horizon 3. The satellite weighs 225 kilograms and can transmit 1-2 meter resolution imagery. Offeq 1, launched in September 1988, and Offeq 2, launched in April 1990, were two experimental models. Offeq 3, which was launched from a launch site south of Tel Aviv, is in an east-west retrograde orbit at an altitude of 500 kilometers and revolves around the earth once every 90 minutes, covering Iran, Iraq, and Syria. Western intelligence bureaus have revealed that Offeq 3 carries an experimental navigation system and a three-dimensional stabilization unit, as well as optical sensors and other payloads. Although technical problems caused launch delays, the satellite is now operating well. If the satellite can remain in good working order for its nominal one-year life span, it will speed up Israel's development of the most advanced defensive system in this region and greatly increase Israel's ability to identify nuclear missiles in real time. Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) has been engaged in development of reconnaissance satellites for at least eight years. At the same time, other companies have taken charge of developing optical and data transmission systems. Shortly after the Gulf War, then-defense minister Moshe Arens emphatically pointed out that wars and conflicts, especially Iraq's launching of missiles against Israel, proved the urgency of Israel's need for reconnaissance satellites. Israel plans to spend US $3000 in 1996 to launch the Amos 1 communications satellite using France's Ariane rocket at the Kourou, French Guiana launch site.


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