Tehran denies its satellite activities are a cover for ballistic missile development and says it has never pursued the development of nuclear weapons.
Iran is strengthening its surveillance capabilities by partnering with Chinese satellite companies, raising concerns about enhanced spying on military targets across Israel and the Middle East.
The IDF's oldest spy satellite recently went out of service after 22 years and burned up in the atmosphere. Ofek-5, launched on May 28, 2002, was one of Israel's first operational imaging satellites.
Israel Aerospace Industries announces major deal, following reports that the new satellites will replace those previously bought by Morocco from France.
The enlargement of the sites follows an October 2022 deal in which Iran agreed to provide missiles to Russia, which has been seeking them for its war against Ukraine.
Iranian Minister of Communications Isa Zarepour said that Iran would also be working on improving satellite imagery.
This represents an increase of nearly 20,000 damaged structures compared a previous assessment, based on images taken in January, which found 30% of buildings had been damaged or destroyed.
The satellite was launched from the Vostochny launch base, which is 5,000 miles east of Moscow.
Though the ERS-2 satellite is huge as far as space debris goes, it is expected to safely fall to the Earth without causing any harm or damage.
Moscow also said that Putin will then travel to Saudi Arabia and will meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.
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