“Space News” says Israel is seeking to market to US defense customers synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) images taken by satellite of asymmetrical threat targets worldwide. The images are taken with “Israel’s newest spy satellite”, equipped with SAR technology, which can take day and night high-resolution photographs in all weather conditions, including heavy overcast.
The satellite in question was developed by Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.'s (IAI) (TASE: ARSP.B1) Systems Missiles and Space Group and Elta Systems Ltd. subsidiaries. Officially, Israel has only announced the launch of one space satellite with SAR capability. The satellite went into orbit in January 2008, after launch with an Indian launcher from the Indian Space Research Organization's (ISRO) pad at Sriharikota. The launch was part of India and Israel’s strategic collaboration, and the launch drew protests by Iran and Arab states.
In April, Indian sources reported that the ISRO launched another IAI-built satellite with SAR capability. The reports claimed that the Indian Army planned to use the satellite to spot threats from Pakistan. However, Israel reportedly has direct access to this satellite as well as download capability.
Israel has declined to comment on these reports.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 2, 2009
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2009