Unlike most satellites worldwide, which launch eastward to take advantage of Earth’s 1,600 km/h rotational speed at the equator, Israel’s satellites travel west. Launching east provides a natural boost, saves fuel, and allows heavier payloads. By contrast, Israeli satellites follow a retrograde orbit, moving against the planet’s rotation, losing roughly 7–10 km/h of orbital speed—an enormous challenge in spaceflight terms requiring more fuel or smaller payloads.

Launch of the Ofek 19

(Video: Defense Ministry)

Strategic necessity drives innovation

Israel’s westward launches are driven by geography and security. As a small country surrounded by hostile neighbors, it cannot risk falling debris landing in other nations’ territories. The decision to launch over the Mediterranean has become a hallmark of Israeli engineering ingenuity.

From Ofek 1 in 1988 to Ofek 19, nearly 40 years of innovation have allowed Israel to build a sophisticated satellite series forming the backbone of its intelligence capabilities. Only ten countries can independently launch satellites, and Israel was among the first to join this exclusive club.

Unexpected advantage

Despite higher fuel costs, retrograde orbits offer strategic benefits. Israel’s satellites pass over the Middle East more frequently and at varying angles than standard eastward satellites, giving unique surveillance capabilities that sometimes outweigh energy savings.

Ofek 19 orbits at an altitude of 500 kilometers, circling the Earth every 90 minutes. Security officials say it expands Israel’s space-based control over the Middle East, enhancing monitoring of third-circle countries, including Iran and Yemen. Officials added, “It has new capabilities we didn’t have before, which is especially important in this period.”

This launch marks Israel’s second satellite deployment in just two months, following Dror 1, a communications satellite launched from Florida in July. Previous Ofek satellites include Ofek 16 in 2020 and Ofek 13 in March 2023. Israel’s first observation satellite launch in September 1988 marked its entry into the global club of nations with advanced independent satellite and launch capabilities.