June 22, 2004 – Space Imaging is releasing "before and after" images of two Iranian nuclear facilities that show continuing development at Natanz and Arak. Space Imaging’s IKONOS satellite took the latest images of Natanz and Arak on Feb. 29, 2004 as it orbited 423 miles above the Earth.
The "before" image of Natanz was taken on Sept. 20, 2002 and the "before" image of Arak was taken on Aug. 18, 2001.
GlobalSecuritiy.org has done an analysis of the satellite imagery. Their analysis for Natanz can be found at http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/iran/natanz-imagery2.htm.
The analysis for Arak can be found at http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/iran/arak-imagery2.htm. The IAEA has been monitoring both sites.
The news media is welcome to download the images below from Space Imaging’s Web site. The images may used in print, broadcast and Web to support reporting on this continuing story. They are best displayed at 1:1 and may be cropped. Appropriate photo credit must be given to each image.
DOWNLOAD IMAGES:
Natanz Uranium Enrichment Facility, Iran
Image Source: Space Imaging Eurasia
Feb. 29, 2004 (1.2 MB) – must credit Space Imaging Eurasia
http://www.spaceimaging.com/gallery/spacepics/Natanz_Iran_SIEA_02_29_04.jpg
Sept. 20, 2002 (1.1 MB) – must credit Space Imaging Middle East
http://www.spaceimaging.com/gallery/spacepics/Iran_Natanz_SIME_9_20_02.jpg
The Natanz Uranium Enrichment Facility is located about 17 miles northwest of the town of Natanz, or 130 miles south of Tehran. According to GlobalSecurity.org, Iran’s uranium enrichment production facility – which was shown as partially buried in the 2002 satellite image – is now completely buried with only a small tunnel entrance visible above ground. Much of Natanz has now become an underground facility covered with layers of fill dirt and reinforced concrete.
Arak Heavy Water Facility, Iran
Image Source: Space Imaging Eurasia
Feb. 29, 2004 (1.3 MB) – must credit Space Imaging Eurasia
http://www.spaceimaging.com/gallery/spacepics/Arak_iran_SIEA_02_29_04.jpg
Aug. 18, 2001 (1.5 MB) – must credit Space Imaging Eurasia
http://www.spaceimaging.com/gallery/spacepics/Iran_Arak_SIEA_8_18_01.jpg
The Arak Heavy Water complex in Iran is located approximately 30 miles from the central Iranian city of Arak, or 150 miles south of Tehran. When GlobalSecurity.org compared the two IKONOS images, it was apparent that the facility has been enlarged beyond the heavy water plant. According to GlobalSecurity.org, one new area has been prepared – a possible future location for Iran’s planned heavy water reactor.