APOGEE STAFF
Israel has recognized the achievements of the spy satellite program known as Horizon, or Ofek in Hebrew, with the Israel Security Award for 2022. The honor was bestowed by Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog during a ceremony in June 2022 at the President’s House in Jerusalem.
Ofek 16, the latest in a series of Ofek military reconnaissance satellites, was launched in June 2020. Ofek was Israel’s first satellite, deployed in 1988 from the Palmachim Air Force Base south of Tel Aviv, and since then, Israel has grown into a significant player within the commercial space industry. The country also has deployed the Amos communication satellites, Eros observation satellites and other research and observation satellites.
Israel developed its satellite program to achieve total control over its defense and space needs. All the Ofek satellites were sent into orbit by a triple-stage Israeli-made Shavit launcher, Defense News has reported. Once operational, the Ofek 16 was placed under control of Israeli intelligence’s Unit 9900. The first Ofek 16 images released publicly show high-resolution detail from the Palmyra historic site in central Syria. “The technological and intelligence superiority of the state of Israel is a cornerstone in its security,” then-Defense Minister Benny Gantz said.
Israel’s three largest defense companies contributed to Ofek 16. The launcher came from Israel Aerospace Industries, the high-resolution Jupiter Space camera from Elbit Systems, and launcher propulsion and satellite thrusters from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Those responsible for the Horizon program shared this year’s Israel Security Award with two classified defense projects, the Times of Israel, an online news site, reported. Recipients were the Israeli Defense Forces, the Mossad and Shin Bet intelligence agencies, the Ministry of Defense, and defense industries, the ministry said in a tweet. First presented to Uzi Gal, creator of the Uzi submachine gun, the prize has been given annually to individuals or teams since 1958.