Spacecom
Communications Satellite AMOS-3 Ready For Lift-Off From Baikonur Launch
Site
(23 April 2008) Spacecom, the operator
of the AMOS satellite fleet, today announced that its newest communications
satellite, AMOS-3, is scheduled to launch on Thursday April 24th from the
Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
AMOS-3, designed and
constructed by Israel Aerospace Industries MBT Space Division, will enhance
Spacecom's satellite constellation at the 4°West longitude orbital
location, providing back-up capabilities and service reliability.
"The
launch of AMOS-3 positions Spacecom at the forefront of satellite services
providers with advanced capabilities and service reliability for customers that
rely on us for their most important communications needs," said Spacecom
president and CEO, David Pollack. "This launch represents another step forward
in executing our corporate growth strategy to extend Spacecom's geographic
reach and expand our customer base."
The satellite, weighing only 1,250
kilogram, has completed a battery of final tests on the Land Launch Zenit-3SLB
launcher. AMOS-3 will be deployed to the 4°W orbital slot, where it will
join the AMOS-1 and AMOS-2 satellites, eventually replacing
AMOS-1.
AMOS-3 will offer additional capacity, coverage areas, and
advanced capabilities such as two wideband Ka-band beams of up to 500 MHZ each
and 12 Ku band 72MHZ transponders with steerable beams for global coverage.
AMOS-3's steerable beams will provide global coverage and the flexibility to
meet Spacecom's customers changing needs.
About
Spacecom
Space-Communication Ltd. (Spacecom) is the operator of the AMOS
satellites, which provide high-quality broadcast and communication services to
Europe, the Middle East, and the Atlantic bridge to the United States. The AMOS
satellite constellation, consisting of AMOS-1 and AMOS-2 co-located at the
prime orbital position of 4°W, serves Direct-To-Home and other Television
platforms in Europe and the Middle East, as well as provides a secure and
stable transmission to government agencies. The extensive signal strength and
prime location makes the AMOS platform particularly suitable for DBS and DTH
operators, as well as a wide range of broadcasters, ISPs, telecommunications
operators, and network integrators with Internet, voice, data and digital TV
services.
Spacecom's AMOS-3 satellite will offer extended coverage as
well as new capabilities such as Ka-band and steerable beams with global
coverage.
Based in Israel, Spacecom's major shareholders are Eurocom,
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), General Satellite Services Co. (GSSC) and
Mer Services Group.
(source: Spacecom)
