SpaceX, Spacecom launching Amos-6 satellite aboard Falcon 9 rocket in 2015
Space Communication Ltd. (Spacecom) and Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) have finally arrived at a consensus, with both companies agreeing to launch Spacecom’s Amos-6 satellite on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Falcon 9 will place the communications satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO), which will help improve further Spacecom’s existing satellite fleet. The latest satellite of Spacecom is targeting a launch in 2015 from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
The agreement on Amos-6 satellite adds to the series of new SpaceX contracts after the company signed 14 launch deals towards the end of 2012. As such, it maintains the company’s position as the world’s fastest growing launch services provider.
SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell noted that 2012 has been a great success for the company, not to mention encouraging tremendous growth. With Spacecom as one of the company’s earliest supporters, Shotwell added that SpaceX is glad to be their business partner and that they are looking forward to launch its Amos-6 satellite.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will build the Amos-6 satellite — a space probe with the goal of providing communication services, including direct satellite home Internet for Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Amos-6 will take the place of Amos-2, which is expected to end its service in 2016.
Spacecom President and CEO David Pollack said in a statement, “We are excited to partner with SpaceX and its tremendous team. Amos-6 will be larger and stronger than Amos-2 and Amos-3 combined, and signals a new age for Spacecom. As we establish our position as a global satellite operator providing more services and capacity, Amos-6 will be a key element of our business strategy and future.”
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