Russia has launched an Israeli spy satellite that can be used to monitor Iran鈥檚 nuclear programme, according to Russia鈥檚 official news agency, ITAR-TASS.
The D33 Eros B1 satellite was launched on Tuesday from a military space launch site in Russia鈥檚 far eastern Amur region. The satellite blasted off aboard a Topol solid-fuel rocket booster and was successfully placed into orbit about 20 minutes after its launch.
The satellite will be used to spy on Iran鈥檚 nuclear programme, according to an unnamed Israeli defense official, quoted on the website of the Israeli daily Yediot Aharonot.
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Defence minister Shaul Mofaz said 鈥渢he satellite will enhance quality intelligence gathering in remote areas. The State of Israel has proven again that it could only depend on itself in defending its citizens and works constantly to improve its abilities.鈥�
ITAR-TASS reports the satellite is fitted with a powerful camera 鈥渨hich will permit Israeli intelligence to observe important Iranian targets in the most minute detail鈥�.
