New Israeli Airborne Area Control Surveillance Systems

New Israeli Airborne Area Control Surveillance Systems: "

The IDF recently acquired an advanced system capable of pinpointing rocket-launching crews and hitting them, Israel Radio reported Monday. The system, an airborne observation blimp, hovers at a height of up to one kilometer and can work during daylight and during the night. It is equipped with both cameras and radars and is operated from the ground.

It is capable of acquiring short-term intelligence, such as the location of terrorists and rocket launchers in a short time, which can then be delivered to combat troops almost in real time. It is also capable of following troop movements thus alerting them to dangers within their radius.

Rafael, Israel's Armaments Development Authority produces such aerostat-borne systems designated Tactical Aerostat Observation System (TAOS). A new Mini-TAOS version carrying a stabilized payload can detect and recognize a walking person at a range of 3.8 - 4.5 km in day and night. It uses a helium filled aerostat, a two way communication fiber optic data link, payloads (CCD-TV, IR sensors and radar, laser rangefinder and laser illuminator are optional) and ground segment aerostat-borne systems designated Tactical Aerostat Observation System (TAOS). In other reports, Controp Precision Technologies has delivered its 'Speed-A' automated image processing, stabilized electro-optical payload system which has already been deployed with IDF units along the Gaza border. The 'Speed-A' sensor payload includes a daylight color and thermal imager (FLIR), both equipped with continuous zoom, a laser rangefinder and laser target marker.

Photo' Rafael

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(Via Ares.)

Space Shuttle/ ISS pass video.

Tonight just before 7:30 we had a fly over of the Space Shuttle/International Space Station. I shot some (a bit shaky) video of it as it flew from the SW to the N.

It didn't fly directly over Amarillo (skirted it to the West) so it wasn't the best sighting opportunity. There is another one tomorrow evening and an even better on on Thursday.

I'll keep those interested advised.

Although I've seen it several times, every time I see a pass it's a thrill. To most of the populace, space travel seems mundane, but never for me.

I remember when I was just a wee-sprout and Dad taking us to Columbus, Ohio to watch a parade honoring astronaut John Glenn, not to mention watching man first set foot on the moon in July of 1969 on TV. I guess I've been bitten by the space bug ever since.

Since then I've intercepted communications (on a regular basis) space shuttle communications and even photographed the tragic demise of Columbia, but I've never seen a shuttle up close.

Needless to say, a year ago, I was extremely irked when the NASA 747 that transports the shuttle (on its back) landed in Amarillo to refuel (with shuttle in tow) and I missed it because I was out of pocket.

When I came home and everyone told me about it and then I saw the news video footage, I was kicking myself for weeks. Me - Mr. Communications, missed it, didn't even hear about it until it was all over.

In any event, to witness a space shuttle launch is on my bucket list - I just hope it keeps flying long enough until I can afford to fly down to Florida and see it.

U.S. man admits aiding China space program

U.S. man admits aiding China space program: "A Chinese-born U.S. physicist and businessman pleaded guilty Monday to bribing Chinese space program officials and illegally providing U.S. space launch data to the Beijing government.

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(Via CNN.com.)

Shuttle crew boards space station

Shuttle crew boards space station: "Space shuttle Endeavour docked today with the international space station, where the shuttle crew will help install more living space. The shuttle and station crews greeted each other with hugs soon after opening their vehicles' hatches. 'Welcome to space,' said station chief Mike Fincke.

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(Via CNN.com.)

NASA keeping eye on two shuttle problems

NASA keeping eye on two shuttle problems: "NASA said Saturday that a piece of thermal blanket came loose from the shuttle shortly after Friday night's launch, and a balky antenna could affect radar and communications. However, officials said the day-old mission of space shuttle Endeavour, which is carrying seven astronauts to the international space station, is going smoothly.

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(Via CNN.com.)