Tel Aviv launches new spy satellite into orbit

On Tuesday, Israel launched a new espionage and intelligence gathering satellite into space. The significance of the craft’s launch is being viewed in the particular context of Tel Aviv’s efforts to control the nuclear activities of Iran.

According to Israeli sources, the satellite, known as Ofek 9, had completed several orbits of the earth by early on Wednesday, just hours after its launch from the Palmachim air base south of Tel Aviv.

According to sources, the ground station in Israel expects to receive aerial photographs taken by the satellite during the next two days. Advanced electronic systems and cameras equipment aboard make it possible for the espionage craft to capture high-resolution intelligence material.

With the launch of Ofek 9, the number of Israeli spy satellites currently in orbit around the earth rises to six; however, Tel Aviv continues to allege that it has only four.