The story makes an interesting reference to the Israeli Ofek spy satellite. According to a Jerusalem Post story, Ofek 7 was launched in June 2007, and the whole thing including launch was accomplished by Israel. Ofek 7 orbits only over Israel’s areas of interest, rather than covering the entire earth as most U.S. satellites do. However, I am a bit skeptical about what can be accomplished within a gross weight of 300 Kg, as stated by the Post. As far as I know, high optical resolution can only be accomplished by a large aperture telescope, and U.S reconaissance satellites have employed mirrors in the range of 90-100 inch diameter. Such a telescope would consume a large part of the 300 KG weight budget, unless the Israeli optical scientists have made some great strides in adaptive optics. I’m very glad to hear that they have Ofek7 , and I am sure they will make good use of it.
You think maybe Ofek 7 spotted something... and here is something curious.. Barak became Defense Minister in June of 2007....and it was in this time frame that the strike was ordered and planning began.
I wonder if it is all connected.....hmmmmm.
Well, compared to our KH-11s (and -12s, if they really exist and aren’t a KH-11 variant), the Ofek 7 doesn’t have to have quite so large a propellant reserve, as it is unlikely to be tasked to massively change its orbit. Israel’s area of interest is relatively small - KH-11’s have to have the ability to change their orbits when they’re retasked. That happens on a regular basis as our interests (and enemies) move and change.
Only if the Israelis have discovered some new kind of gravity....
It's in a 600 km, 141.7 degree inclination (retrograde) orbit:
International Designator: 2007-025A; NORAD SSC#: 31601
Orbital Inclination: 141.7 deg;
Orbital Period: 93.75 min
Apogee x Perigee: 576 x 340 km
The orbit does provide excellent coverage of the Middle East, however -- 6-7 consecutive passes per day.