Shavit-1

Shavit-1 (upgraded) Next Generation Launcher

Mission Profile

Shavit-1 is a three-stage Israeli orbital launch vehicle developed by the Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) as an upgraded successor to the original Shavit, offering improved performance and a longer fairing. Standing 15 meters tall with a liftoff mass of 23,000 kg, it can deliver up to 160 kg to low Earth orbit. Since its maiden flight in April 1995, it has served as Israel's primary satellite launch vehicle, operating exclusively from the Palmachim air base on retrograde (westward) trajectories over the Mediterranean Sea to avoid overflying hostile territory. This unusual orbital geometry imposes a significant performance penalty but reflects the unique geopolitical constraints of launching from a small nation surrounded by adversaries.