Israel to launch "eye in the sky" over Iran: report | Reuters.com

Reuters.com


The Eros B satellite has a camera which can decipher objects on the ground as small as 70 centimeters (about two feet) across, the report said. Eckhaus confirmed the accuracy of the published details to Reuters.

The Yedioth report said that Israel was planning to send up another spy satellite with the ability to view objects in all weather conditions and in darkness. The Eros satellites are effective only in daylight and in clear visibility.

It will orbit the Earth at a height of about 310 miles and will circle the globe roughly every 95 minutes, ImageSat said.

The Eros satellites, which weigh under 770 lb, are among a number of small, lightweight satellites which Israel's space industry has perfected, Eckhaus said.

Israel is only able to launch small satellites westwards over the Mediterranean Sea -- opposite to the Earth's rotation -- because it cannot risk rockets flying over its Arab neighbors to the east or debris falling on their territory.

The satellite manufacturer ImageSat International is partly owned by government-held Israel Aircraft Industries, the country's biggest defense company.