Israelis Looking at Air Launched Microsats

Israel already has its own independent launch capability, and as a result of launching targets for its Arrow ABM system, it also has a background in a properly sized air born launcher for quick response (Paid subscription required).

It would be based on the Blue Sparrow and Black Sparrow targets, which are launched from an F-15.

One of the things driving this are the constraints on Israel’s current launcher:The program to field a tactically responsive launcher is shaped by Israel’s unique geographic constraints: The existing Shavit rocket has to be fired west-to-east across the Mediterranean to avoid violating the airspace of Israel’s neighbors. The launch direction also restricts Shavit’s payload potential, which in turn has limited the size of Israeli military communications and surveillance satellites.

Using an aerial launcher will allow launches with earth’s rotation, giving greater payload.

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