TecSAR
| Mission type | Radar imaging |
|---|---|
| Operator | IAI |
| COSPAR ID | 2008-002A |
| SATCAT no. | 32476 |
| Website | IAI |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Launch mass | 295 kilograms (650 lb) |
| Power | 750 watts |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 21 January 2008, 03:45 UTC |
| Rocket | PSLV-CA |
| Launch site | Satish Dhawan FLP |
| Contractor | Indian Space Research Organisation |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Low Earth |
| Perigee | 450 kilometres (280 mi) |
| Apogee | 580 kilometres (360 mi) |
| Inclination | 41 degrees |
| Period | ~90 minutes |
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EL/M-2070 TecSAR, also known as TechSAR, Polaris and Ofek-8, is an Israeli reconnaissance satellite, equipped with synthetic aperture radar developed by Elta Systems. It was successfully launched at 03:45 GMT (09:15 local time) on 21 January 2008, by PSLV C-10 Launch Vehicle, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in India.
The TecSAR satellite is fitted with a large dish-like antenna to transmit and receive radar signals that can penetrate darkness and thickness of clouds. Built by Israel Aerospace Industries, TecSAR ranks among the world's most advanced space systems.
Elta Systems Ltd cooperates with Azerbaijan to produce a TecSAR reconnaissance satellite system for the country. According to Azerbaijani military experts, this is an indispensable system for military operations in the mountainous terrains of Azerbaijan.
The satellite was successfully delivered into its target orbit about twenty minutes after launch. The four-stage PSLV rocket flew in the CA, or "Core Alone" configuration, with no strap-on solid rocket boosters. PSLV-C10, as the rocket used to launch TecSAR was designated, was the second flight of a PSLV-CA, and the twelfth overall for the PSLV series. Launch was contracted by the Antrix Corporation, the commercial department of the Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO. The TecSAR represents the first Israeli use of the Indian PSLV launcher. This made possible an orbit that could not be reached from Israel, with an altitude of 450-580 kilometers and inclination of 41 degrees. As a result, TecSAR cruises from west to east, unlike all the other surveillance satellites launched from Israel itself.
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