08.03.2005, 23:06
Zitat:ARABS INVEST IN SATELLITE LAUNCHQuelle: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.menewsline.com/stories/2005/march/03_09_3.html">http://www.menewsline.com/stories/2005/ ... _09_3.html</a><!-- m -->
CAIRO [MENL] -- Arab investors, led by Egypt, have launched a project to manufacture and launch a reconnaissance satellite.
Investors from several Arab states have sought a satellite that would implement a range of civilian missions, including the sighting of the new moon in an effort to standardize Islamic holidays. Arab countries often fail to agree on the start of major Muslim holidays because of the disparity in moon sightings.
The estimated $8 million Arab project would construct and launch a low-earth orbit satellite -- with a shelf life of up to seven years -- by the end of 2006. Share offerings have been issued in several Arab states.
"Manufacture of the satellite will take 15 months, financed by Arab businessmen and individual donations," Cairo University president Ali Abdul Rahman said. "The satellite will orbit at a low altitude and send back crescent images to ground stations. This way, the Islamic satellite will carry out a credible moon-sighting process which Muslims will see on their television screens."