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.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
