Ofek-1, the first space satellite launched by Israel, has already exceeded its one-month life expectancy.
Its next stop is a re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere and a burnout, but that is not likely before January, according to scientists who monitor the solar energy-driven satellite.
Ofek was lifted into orbit Sept. 19 by an Israeli-made Shavit III rocket. Israel’s space research agency attributes its longevity to the accuracy with which it was placed in elliptical orbit around the earth.
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