TEL AVIV, Israel, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- Israel's second spy satellite crashed into the Mediterranean Sea near Greece just minutes after takeoff Monday.
The three-stage Shavit missile carrying the Ofek satellite was launched from the Palmahim air base south of Tel Aviv. The first two stages operated properly, but the Defense Ministry reported a "malfunction in the third stage."
A defense official told United Press International on condition of anonymity the failure was apparently in a "sub-engine that was supposed to have ignited the main engine and place it (in orbit)."
Israel has a spy satellite, Ofek 5, that circles the earth every 1 1/2 hours. Ofek 5 was launched in May 2002 and is expected to function for another three to four years, the official said.
Ofek 6 was supposed to give Israel "closer coverage" so that an Israeli satellite would fly over enemy territory every 45 minutes.
The official estimated the failure cost Israel $50 million. Another Ofek missile could be ready before Ofek 5 dies out, if the defense ministry will budget it, the official said.
