TecSAR-1
Launch of TecSAR-1 on PSLV-C10 | |
| Names | Ofeq-8 TechSar Polaris |
|---|---|
| Mission type | Imaging radar |
| Operator | Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) |
| COSPAR ID | 2008-002A |
| SATCAT no. | 32476 |
| Mission duration | 4 years (planned) 16 years, 5 months and 12 days |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Bus | TECSAR Bus |
| Manufacturer | Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) |
| Launch mass | 295 kg (650 lb) |
| Power | 750 watts |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 21 January 2008, 03:45 UTC |
| Rocket | PSLV-CA (PSLV-C10) |
| Launch site | Satish Dhawan, FLP |
| Contractor | Indian Space Research Organisation |
| Entered service | 1 February 2008 |
| End of mission | |
| Decay date | 3 July 2024 |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
| Regime | Low Earth orbit |
| Perigee altitude | 405 km (252 mi) |
| Apogee altitude | 580 km (360 mi) |
| Inclination | 41.03° |
| Period | 94.50 minutes |
TecSAR-1, also known as TechSAR, Polaris and Ofeq-8, is an Israeli reconnaissance satellite, equipped with a synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) developed by Elta Systems. It was successfully launched at 03:45 UTC 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.