Last update - 00:00 14/06/2007
Ofek 7 spy satellite begins transmitting photos to Israel
By Yuval Azoulay, Haaretz Correspondent and Associated Press
The Ofek 7 spy satellite on Thursday began transmitting photos to authorities in Israel. Security sources stated that the satellite and all of its operating systems are functioning as planned and they are pleased with its performance so far.
The officials would not discuss the quality of the pictures being transmitted because of the secret nature of its contents.
The satellite was produced by Israel Aircraft Industries and launched by an Israeli "Shavit" rocket at Palmahim base in central Israel on Monday. Within an hour and a half after launch the satellite began its path orbiting the Earth.
The Ofek 7, which means "horizon" in Hebrew, is equipped with a far more advanced camera than previous Israeli satellites, including the Ofek 5, in its fifth year of operation, and the Ofek 6 which crashed into the sea shortly after launch in September 2004.
Israeli space officials said the Ofek-7 satellite can pick up even small objects from space, and that the information gathered would be shared with the United States.
The chief of the Defense Ministry's space program, Haim Eshed, has suggested the satellite could be used to gather information on Iran's nuclear program.
The satellite weighs 66 pounds, is 7.5 feet long and will operate at least four years, Israel Radio reported.
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