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Shavit 2

Israel Aerospace Industries · UAV · Cold War (1970–1991)

Shavit 2 — UAV
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The Shavit 2 (Hebrew: Comet) is an Israeli small-lift satellite launch vehicle — IAI's three-stage solid-fuel orbital rocket + the basis for Israel's only indigenous space-launch capability. IAI designed the Shavit in 1982-1988 (with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems providing the rocket motors, derived from the Jericho ballistic missile family); first orbital launch 19 September 1988. The Shavit 2 is the second-generation variant with improved payload. As of 2026 the Shavit has launched 12 missions, with mixed success.

The Shavit 2 uses a 3-stage all-solid-fuel configuration: stage 1 + 2 derived from Jericho 2 IRBM motors; stage 3 is a smaller Rafael solid motor. Payload to 250 km × 1,400 km Sun-synchronous retrograde orbit: 350 kg. Launch is exclusively from Palmachim Airbase on Israel's Mediterranean coast — the rocket flies westward over the Mediterranean to reach orbit, a unique trajectory imposed by Israel's small geographic size + need to avoid overflight of Arab states.

Shavit service has carried 9 Ofeq reconnaissance satellites (the principal Shavit payloads), several technology + communications satellites, + (in 2026) the larger TecSAR radar-imaging satellites. Notable failures include Ofeq 4 (1998 — booster failure) + Ofeq 6 (2004 — stage separation failure). Success rate is ~75% across 12 launches — competitive with other small-lift launchers. The Shavit's westward retrograde launch trajectory makes it the only orbital rocket worldwide to fly retrograde to gain orbit; the trajectory imposes a ~30% payload penalty vs eastward launches. Israel has explored eastward launches from foreign sites (most recently a proposed Sudan partnership in 2024).

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Shavit 2 is an Israeli rocket that launches small satellites into orbit. The Hebrew name Shavit means 'Comet.' IAI designed the original Shavit in the 1980s using parts from the Jericho long-range rocket family. The first Shavit launch happened on 19 September 1988.

The Shavit 2 has three solid-fuel rocket stages. The first and second stages come from the Jericho 2 rocket. The third stage is a smaller motor built by Rafael, another Israeli company.

The Shavit 2 can carry 350 kg of satellite into a low orbit around Earth. It is one of only a few rockets in the world that flies backwards — it launches westward over the Mediterranean Sea instead of eastward like most rockets. This is for safety, because Israel does not want spent rocket pieces falling on Arab countries to the east.

As of 2026, Shavits have launched 12 missions in total, with mixed success. The Shavit 2 is about as tall as an 8-story building. It is Israel's only homemade way to put satellites into orbit, making Israel one of just nine countries with its own space launch system.

Fun Facts

  • The Shavit is Israel's only homemade satellite launch rocket.
  • It launches westward over the Mediterranean Sea, which is very unusual.
  • The first Shavit launch happened on 19 September 1988.
  • It uses parts from the Jericho long-range rocket family.
  • The Shavit 2 can carry 350 kg of satellite into low Earth orbit.
  • Israel is one of only nine countries with its own space launch system.

Kids’ Questions

Why does the Shavit fly westward?

Most rockets fly eastward to use Earth's rotation as a free speed boost. But Israel cannot fly eastward, because spent rocket stages would fall on Arab countries — which Israel wants to avoid for safety reasons. So Israeli rockets fly west over the Mediterranean Sea instead. This costs more fuel, but it is the safest path.

What does solid-fuel mean?

A solid-fuel rocket uses a rubbery solid block of fuel and oxidizer mixed together. Once lit, it burns until it runs out — you cannot turn it off or throttle it. Solid fuels are simple and reliable, but cannot be controlled in flight. Liquid-fuel rockets are more complex but can be throttled or shut down.

Variants

Shavit (1988-1995)
Original 2-stage variant. 3 launches.
Shavit 2 (1995-present)
Improved 3-stage. Primary current variant.
Shavit 4 (proposed)
Larger commercial variant. Not yet flown.

Notable Operators

Israeli Space Agency (1988-present)
Sole operator. Ofeq + TecSAR reconnaissance satellites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Israel launch westward?

Israel is small (470 km long, 130 km wide at maximum) + surrounded on three sides by Arab states. An eastward launch (the energy-efficient direction, gaining the Earth's rotational velocity) would overfly Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, + other states + drop stage 1 + 2 booster debris on those countries — politically + legally untenable. The only viable trajectory is westward over the Mediterranean Sea — but Earth's rotation works against the rocket on a westward trajectory, imposing a ~30% payload penalty. Israel accepts the penalty as the price of orbital sovereignty. The Shavit is the only orbital launch vehicle worldwide to fly this retrograde trajectory.

Sources

See Also