The most geopolitically unique launch site on Earth: all orbital launches go WESTWARD over the Mediterranean — in the opposite direction to every other site. This is because overflying Jordan, Syria or Saudi Arabia is not an option. The result is retrograde orbits at ~143°.
A launch site's latitude determines which orbits are achievable and at what fuel cost. Palmachim at 31.8986°N sets the following constraints:
Palmachim is unique: all launches go westward (retrograde) over the Mediterranean, creating 31.9°-inclination retrograde orbits. This means trains are visible across retrograde — seen at latitudes roughly 32°N–32°S, but in the reverse direction to all other sites — objects move from west to east in the sky.
Palmachim Air Base is located at 31.8986°N, 34.6903°E in Central District, Israel. It is owned and operated by Israeli Air Force / Israel Space Agency. The site has conducted approximately 16 orbital launches since its first in 1988.
Current vehicles operating from Palmachim Air Base include Shavit (and derivatives). Primary customers are IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries), launching Ofek military reconnaissance satellites, Amos communications.
Palmachim is unique in launching exclusively westward — retrograde — over the Mediterranean Sea. This creates orbits at roughly 31.9° retrograde inclination. While this limits orbital options, it is the only safe launch corridor available given Israel's geography.
Yes — Palmachim Air Base hosts a moderate cadence of approximately 2 orbital launches per year. Check the operator's website for public viewing arrangements and launch windows.
Ofek military reconnaissance satellites launched from Palmachim orbit in a retrograde path, crossing the sky from west to east — the opposite direction to most satellites. They are visible from latitudes roughly ±32°. Most Ofek satellites are not listed in public TLE catalogues due to their classified nature.
Palmachim's position is dictated by safety — launches must go over the Mediterranean rather than overflying Jordan, Syria or Saudi Arabia. This geographic constraint shapes every aspect of the site's orbital mechanics.
See all launch sites: Launch site directory →