Satellites have become cheap to launch and maintain, which is why lots of governments and businesses are rushing to make use of this technology. One of the latest countries to make full use of satellite military technology for military operations is Israel. Despite being a newbie, they have already started making breakthroughs. This article will talk about Israel’sIsrael’s exploits of space technologies in military operations. 

Israel’s Space Sector

When talking about countries with space exploits acolytes, people hardly talk about Israel. However, that has been slowly changing over the last few years. Not long ago, the Israeli Air Forces ‘ official name was changed to Israeli Air and Space Force for a reason. This was an indication that the country had started using space technologies to protect itself from invaders or threats. Israel has started investing lots of time and resources into satellite and space technologies. At this point, it is safe to say that they are a space power. Now, they can even manufacture their satellite equipment for other nations.

Israel recently developed and launched its Mini Communication Satellite (MCS) which weighs about 700 kilos. This system also includes a communication payload with a weight of about 200 kilos or less. The MCS is cheaper to build and launch when compared to a standard communication satellite that weighs about 5000 kilos. Additionally, the MCS has a lifespan of more than 14 years and can be used across the globe providing communication needs to countries in need. Now, let us talk about the type of satellites that Israel uses for military operations.

Spy satellites

Spy satellites sound like something you will hear from James Bond movies. Well, you will be surprised that countries have been using these types of satellites for a while now, and Israel recently joined the club. With the constant threats they face from countries like Iran, a spy satellite is just what Israel needs to keep an eye out for possible threats from their neighbours. Their spy satellites weigh about 300 kilos, which is relatively small compared to others.

The spy satellites created by Israel come in two categories – one of which has complex high-res cameras that can identify and differentiate objects as small as 20 inches from miles away. The other type of satellite can capture high-res images with the same quality as that of ordinary cameras using a radar system. This type of satellite is advantageous because it can obtain images of the earth at any time of the day and in every kind of weather.

Observing War in Ukraine by space platforms

2022 began with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, calling it a special military operation, which is still going on and has led to thousands of lives lost. What makes this war different from the others that came before it is the huge media and satellite coverage. Satellites have played a huge role in giving Ukraine an advantage over Russia. NATO satellites are able to intercept communications between Russia’sRussia’s top military officials and track the movement of their troops. This data is critical to the Ukrainian military because they can plan counterattacks and hit the Russians where it hurts. The satellites can also access hi-res imagery damages done by the fighting throughout the course of the war. 

U.S., Israel expand cooperation to the space domain

The US and Israel have always had a great relationship that has spread across to the Israeli Space Program. This relationship has been very beneficial to both parties as Israel has seen a boost in the capabilities of satellites and space technologies. These countries also became partners in the SSA Data Sharing Program in 2010 and have promised to keep this partnership strong for future generations.

One of the top officials in the Israeli Space Program made a comment which highlighted the long lifespan of their satellites and how it helps their operations to be more efficient, less costly, and more agile.

Talks between the senior members of the Israeli and US space programs ensured a solid and long-lasting relationship. As one of the strongest US partners in the Middle East, Israel is also eager and willing to benefit immensely from this collaboration.

Final thoughts

As we can see from the Ukraine-Russia crisis, the sovereignty of less powerful countries is always under threat. That is why Israel is now heavily investing time and resources into remote sensing and satellite communications for defensive purposes. This collaboration and partnership with the US have significantly boosted their space-based capabilities giving them the status of a satellite powerhouse.