Israel's 'Ofek' spy satellite
Photo: Channel 2
Egypt to launch first spy satellite
Country's first ever spy satellite, designed by Ukrainian company, has infra-red abilities allowing Egypt to keep close eye on Israel
Egypt is expected to launch its first spy satellite into outer space on Tuesday. According to experts in Israel,
the satellite will allow the Egyptians to keep a close eye on what goes on in Israel as well.
The satellite, which weighs 100 kilograms (about 220 pounds) will be launched from Kazakhstan by a Russian launcher.
The satellite was designed and constructed by the Ukrainian company Yuzhnoe Design.
The satellite has been equipped with a camera and will orbit around the earth at an altitude of about 410 miles.
According to Tal Inbar, a senior researcher from the Fisher Brothers Institute for Air and Space Strategic Studies, the satellite's data and its path show that the Egyptians are interested in following what goes on in Israel among other things.
The satellite will be able to take black and white, and colored pictures in the dark as well, through infra red technology.
Experts say that this satellite would be capable of spotting objects about 4 meters high (about 13 feet). This is relatively low resolution, but the camera operating on a few different wavelengths will give it good intelligence abilities.
Officials in Cairo said recently that Egypt "will develop space abilities that will match Israel's Ofek satellites."
Tal Inbar said on Sunday that the fact that Egypt is investing in such a satellite demonstrates Egypt's desire to receive first hand information on what occurs in the region.
