Israeli officials: Ofek 11 satellite may be malfunctioning
Israeli security officials have stated that the Ofek 11 satellite, launched Tuesday, may be experiencing malfunctions.
"There are indications according to which things aren't working as we expected, and so we are trying to stabilize it. There are things that worry us. The satellite orbits the earth once every hour and a half. It's possible that some systems are not (in correct condition)."
Since the Ofek 11 is an observation satellite, as opposed to a communication satellite, it is not constantly accessible to crews on the ground. Since the operators only have access to it for short periods once a day, it will take some time – perhaps a few days – until they know if it will ultimately be successful.
