Egypt will soon launch its first remote sensing satellite from a base in Kazakhstan, an official was quoted as saying in the top-selling state-owned Al-Ahram daily Tuesday. "We will soon complete the final stage for launching the first satellite for remote sensing and scientific research, 'Misr Sat 1'," said Ayman Desouqi, from the National Authority for Remote Sensing.
He did not give a precise date but said the satellite would be launched from a base in Kazakhstan.
Al-Ahram denied reports carried in the Israeli press that the satellite would be launched Tuesday.
The Israeli daily Yediot Aharanot described the device as a "spy satellite" that is expected to include Israel in its orbital path.
The paper said the 100-kilogram (220 pound) satellite is Ukrainian built and capable of taking black and white pictures from an orbital height of 410 miles that could provide accurate intelligence material.
Source: Agence France-Presse
