Israel's Defense Ministry is planing a massive investment in upgrading the country's space communication capabilities, enabling its military surveillance satellites to provide real-time intelligence in time of war, local daily The Jerusalem Post reported on Wednesday.
Data collected by satellites currently operated by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) -- Ofek 5, Ofek 7, Ofek 9 and TecSar -- can only be received as their orbits pass over Israeli ground stations every 90 minutes, Xinhua reported.
That hour-and-a-half delay in relaying photographic and other intelligence data to ground stations can be critical in times of war, according to the report.
"We are looking into ways to be able to download material from satellites even when they are not over Israel and in sight of the ground stations," an Israeli army officer told The Post.
"This will give us the ability to receive live footage from an area of interest," he said.
One idea being considered calls for launching a communications satellite that would be exclusively designated for military missions, enabling immediate downloading of footage when the satellite is not passing over Israel.
Israel has attempted in the past to gain access to the U.S. military's satellite network, citing its need for real-time satellite imagery and early warning of missile attacks, according to numerous media reports quoting analysts. However, several administrations have said they would only consider the request once a peace deal requiring an Israeli military redeployment is signed.
The IDF is also set to purchase new data-control systems for deciphering and cataloging surveillance footage later this year. The systems will gradually replace the soldiers currently tasked with analyzing satellite imagery, speeding up the process, the report said.
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