Launching of EROS B in Russia (Archive)
Photo: Channel 2
Taiwan may buy Israeli satellite
Taipei plans to invest $300 million in purchase of surveillance satellite, and may pick Israeli-made EROS, which already monitors targets for Taiwan
The Taiwanese government is looking into the possibility of acquiring or leasing an Earth Remote Observation Satellite (EROS), made by Israeli company ImageSat.
The planned $300 million deal is slated to create diplomatic difficulties between Israel and China, which has tense relations with Taiwan.
Surveillance
Arieh Egozi
Three days after its launch, the Eros B satellite fully operational and sending high-resolution images to stations on earth
Taiwan currently uses a French-made satellite, EDAS, which has been orbiting Earth since 2004. Although it is described as a Seattleite for scientific purposes, experts are positive that it is in fact a surveillance satellite.
According to some sources, the French manufacturer has made sure to limit the satellite's observation and photographing capabilities while it passes over China, due to strong Chinese pressure.
In 2001, Taiwan has signed a contract with ImageSat to purchase footage taken by the Israeli satellite in areas of interest to Taiwan. Currently, the country has decided it wishes to expand its ability to track these areas by investing $300 in the purchase or leasing of an advanced satellite, possibly from ImageSat.
