World Notes ISRAEL

The Middle East arms race is expected to take another leap into space soon when Israel launches its second and most sophisticated reconnaissance satellite. Dubbed the Ofek-2, the spying device may be in orbit in a matter of weeks, providing detailed photographs of troop movements and missile activity in Israel's neighboring Arab states.

Although still considered experimental, Ofek-2 (the name means Horizon in Hebrew) is equipped with a state-of-the-art high-resolution electro-optical camera and is programmed to circle the globe for at least two years. Its predecessor, Ofek-1, was launched in September 1988 and stayed aloft four months.

Both satellites were developed by state-owned Israel Aircraft Industries and were designed to be hurled into space by Israel's powerful rocket, the Shavit (Comet). I.A.I. is also working on a civilian communications satellite, called the Amos, which it hopes to send into orbit within two years.