IAI's MBT Space Division focuses on geostationary communications
satellites and low earth orbit (LEO) reconnaissance satellites,
of which three were successfully deployed in recent years.
IAI's space activities began in the mid 1980s, under a secret
government program that challenged the local defense industries
with the development of indigenous delivery and operational capabilities
in space. Part of this program was the development of the Shavit
launch vehicles, and new lightweight satellites, which later became
the Ofeq 3, Eros 1A and Ofeq 5 spy satellites.
The latest version of the Ofeq family is Ofeq 5, launched in May
2002. It weighs less than 300 kg and is designed for operations
of over four years at an altitude of 500 km. Its performance is
comparable to much larger platforms that weigh several tons. Several
systems that facilitate the low weight and extended operation
include a unique gimbaled payload mount, which enables flexible
and accurate positioning of the camera without changing satellite
position. The camera, designed by El-Op, is a lightweight payload
specially designed for small satellites.
IAI is recognized as the primary center for Israel's space activities,
and the main contractor for the government's space programs. The
MBT Space Division is also integrator for the Ofeq, Eros and Amos
satellite programs. Other suppliers are Elbit/El-Op, providing
the space camera payload, and the Rafael Manor plant, which provides
the upper-stage motor and space propulsion system.
Tamam, a unit of MBT Space Division, provides attitude control
and satellite stabilization systems. MLM provides solar panels,
main computer and the digital solid-state storage system. The
datalinks are provided by Spectralink of the Elisra group. Each
reconnaissance satellite uses two datalinks-a two-way control
link, and high-capacity, high-speed video downlink-which transfer
the stored images to the ground station.
ImageSat, 40% owned by IAI, ordered the Eros series and is already
operating Eros A, launched by a Russian SS-25 rocket. Unlike Ofeq,
which is positioned at an inclinatory orbit that optimizes coverage
of the Middle East region, Eros satellites are positioned in a
polar orbit, which maximizes the daylight coverage on a global
basis. The Eros B is scheduled for launch in 2004 into a heliosynchronic-polar
orbit at an altitude of 500-600 km. From 600 km, its payload will
deliver high-resolution imagery with 0.87 m resolution (therefore
complying with U.S. regulation of distribution of high resolution
space imagery). Its lifespan is five to six years. Eros-B has
twice the fuel capacity of Eros-A, and eight solar arrays, that
will extend operation to eight to ten years. It weighs less than
300 kg-30% of the weight of the competing Ikonos operated by Space
Imaging.
Based on its experience with the Ofeq family of satellites, MBT
is also designing the IMPS lightweight satellite 'bus,' a generic
skeleton of a satellite that will be adaptable to various payloads,
launch vehicles and weight requirements. Micro satellites, in
a weight class of 100150 kg are also being considered at
IAI. These satellites will be designed for multiple launch systems
and short duration low-earth orbit missions, and should be able
to offer relatively low cost by reducing weight and redundancy.
IAI is also developing communications satellites. The first was
Amos, launched in 1996 into a geostationary orbit for a 12-year
mission. Amos-2 is currently in final integration tests, and scheduled
for launch in July 2003 with an Indian satellite aboard Ariane
5. Amos-2 weighs 1.3 tons, and operates 14 transponders at 1,350
kW power. IAI is working on the replacement of Amos-1, which will
be required by 2007, and expects to finalize the contract by next
year. The high-powered, 2-5- to 3-ton Amos-HP is also in development;
and could form the basis for an eight-satellite HKSAT constellation.
Conclusion of the Israel Defense Force's evaluation of its future
communications requirements is also expected to result in a contract
for the development of military communications satellite.
