Massive Construction Visible at Iran's Missile & Space Center at Semnan

Defense Update ^

[myknowledge]

Extensive infrastructure developments are evident in the following satellite imagery, obtained by the Israeli Eros-B satellite. The images are superimposed on an earlier image, available through Google Earth, taken around 2007. Images: Background image, GoogleEarth. Inserts: Imagesat International.

Below: The latest image, taken 27 November, 2009 showing the construction progress at the site, with a siezable gantry tower constructed at the launch site, with an associated launch pad, and fully constructed flame bucket diverting the missile's exhaust gases from the hillside. The launch site is linked through separate tubing, to a nearby, sheltered underground facility located at the upper left hillside. A bew construction located close to the launcher, shown at the lower righth side of the picture, could be a protected observation site to be provided with video and recording systems. (Photo: Imagesat)

Below: The same site as seen in a previous photo taken May 2009. This site is located east of the active launch site (also shown on this page). At this site the Iranians are constructing a new facility that could be supporting the Iranian solid rocket propulsion development, associated with the Sejjil and Ashura missiles or even larger missiles. Another site, prepared few kilometers south of the new construction area seems to be abandoned. Photo: Imagesat.

Semnan launch site: The Safir satellite launcher erected, ready to launch from the active launch pad at Semnan. Photo: Imagesat.

Another image of the test site at Semnan shows the missile integration center, where payloads are fitted to the missile. (such as the Omid satellite launched earlier this year). Photo: Imagesat

[myknowledge]

Good on the Israelis for taking snapshots of this Iranian missile facility with their Eros-B spy sat.

Unless the Semnan and Shamnan facilities are defended by SAM and AAA batteries, along with MiG fighters, they are ripe targets to be bombed by Israeli fighter-bombers.

[nikos1121]

flying from where? Obama would tipoff the Iranians in advance.

Better to attack with cruise missiles from their submarines.

[myknowledge]

A three-pronged Israeli attack would come from Jericho-II MRBMs, Popeye Turbo cruise missiles and Israeli F-15Is & F-16Is.

[imjimbo]

Looks like a ‘target rich’ environment to me-!!

[AmericanInTokyo]

Even the US might also shoot them down if they entered Iraqi airspace and there was no IFF properly in place. If I were the Israelis, I sure would not want to call Obongo on the line and say that a) we are going to take out Iran in 60 minutes’ time, and b) we are going to fly over Iraq to do it. You are right. Teheran would know this in a matter of minutes.

[AmericanInTokyo]

10 to 1 there are some bastard North Korean technicians wandering around in that photograph.

[raybbr]

Not sure why there is the "Star Trek" starfleet logo on the launch pad.

[raybbr]

Even the US might also shoot them down if they entered Iraqi airspace and there was no IFF properly in place.

I wonder how many US jets would develop flight malfunction if they knew it was the Israelis taking out nuclear plants?

[bert]

There is another course. It is but a moments hop across Jordan to Saudi air space and thence to Iran.

This thread is evidence of Iranian meddling in Saudi Arabia.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2401702/posts

We like to think we are in control and on top of things but Iran thinks differently and is taking advantage of perceived weakness.

[autumnraine]

I guess the US and the rest of the world is going to wait until a nuke is on it’s way to Israel before doing anything.

Anyone who thinks anything will be done is a joke.

[RayChuang88]

It's actually REALLY hard for the Iranians to hide anything because today's commercial imaging satellites--Ikonos, QuickBird, RapidEye and the WorldView-1/2--are capable of at least one meter resolution, and that is more than enough to unveil any large construction site for things like missile launch pads, military installations or even entrances to underground military installations.

[Glenn]

I guess the US and the rest of the world is going to wait until a nuke is on it’s way to Israel before doing anything.

Israel might just pull the trigger first. It would send the ultimate message that this nonsense must end. With Iranian oil off the market, Russia would prosper and resist any intervention. As for China, they don't really give a damn about the Middle East.

[SMARTY]

This is very appropriate Dec. 7 reading. “O” keeps hitting the ‘snooze’, though.

[gov_bean_ counter]

I sure would not want to call Obongo on the line and say that a) we are going to take out Iran in 60 minutes’ time, and b) we are going to fly over Iraq to do it. You are right. Teheran would know this in a matter of minutes.

Just call at 0300. He ain't gonna answer.

[lbryce]

There are still many negotiation cards still left in the deck that should be given full opportunity to take its course. Sanctions must be given every chance to take its toll, with many economic, cultural options still very much available to coercing the Iranians we mean business, or rather we mean 'no business'.

The Iranians are members of the human family, the family of Man, our only family....If you prick them, do they not bleed??

Let us speak to them brother-to-brother, embrace them as one of our own, take them into our hearts, show them we are better than them and you will see how effective it will be.

Please. Let's Give Peace A Chance. All we are saying is give peace a chance. [sarcasm off]

[AmericanInTokyo]

lol. or when he is out on a golf outing, since it would no doubt be a night attack by Israel on Iran, meaning daylight hours back in the states. Obongo would not interrupt his game to both to tip off the Persians.