Friday, February 25, 2011
Russia, Israel eye joint development of communication satellites
Russia and Israel have set up a joint group that would focus on the development of communications satellites, local media reported Friday.
"We will consider the options of making several communication satellites and the joint development of a remote sensing satellite," said Anatoly Perminov, head of Russia's Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos).
Perminov said, however, that the signing of a space cooperation agreement with Israel will be put off "for some time."
"We have permission from the government to sign it but presently the Israeli side suggests postponing it. We have no objections," he said.
Earlier, local reports said that the Israeli Space Agency and Roscosmos might sign a framework agreement on March 27. It was expected to be similar to Israel's agreements with the European Space Agency and NASA.
Russia and Israel has been cooperating extensively in development of high-technological hardware, and Russia has purchased Israeli-made unmanned drones for its security services.
http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90853/7300898.html