AMOS-3 Communications
Satellite Successfully Launched
(28 April 2008) Spacecom, the operator
of the AMOS satellite fleet, today announced that its newest satellite, AMOS-3,
has been successfully launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome launch site in
Kazakhstan.
AMOS-3 roared into the atmosphere onboard a
Zenit-3SLB launcher this morning at 08.00 Israel local time (05.00 GMT). The
launcher's first and second stages have already been successfully separated.
The last stage will be separated a few hours after the launch, and AMOS-3 will
unfold its solar panels and main antenna and begin communicating with its
ground-control station. Within the following weeks, AMOS-3 will undergo a
series of comprehensive in-orbit tests, after which Israel Aerospace Industries
will deliver it in its final orbital position to Spacecom.
"The
successful launch of AMOS-3 is a significant milestone for Spacecom and for our
partners who have contributed to this multi-year effort," said Spacecom
President and CEO David Pollack. "The satellite will offer customers extended
coverage and services over its target regions and will enhance operations and
drive revenue."
AMOS-3 will be co-located at the 4°W orbital slot,
where it will join AMOS-1 and AMOS-2. This satellite constellation will enable
a more powerful communications, broadcast and broadband services for Central
Eastern Europe and the Middle East as well as providing a communications bridge
between the Middle East and the Eastern U.S.
AMOS-3 will offer
additional capacity, expanded coverage areas, and advanced capabilities, such
as two wideband Ka-band beams of up to 500 MHz each and 12 Ku band 72 MHz
transponders with steerable beams for global coverage. The new satellite's
steerable beams will provide global coverage and the flexibility to meet the
changing needs of Spacecom customers.
Israel Aerospace Industries,
through its MBT Space Division, led the AMOS-3 design and production, which was
completed in only two and a half years.
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-3, 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 providing 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.
Based in Israel, Spacecom is traded on the Tel-Aviv Stock
Exchange. Its major shareholders are Eurocom, Israel Aerospace Industries
(IAI), General Satellite Services Co. (GSSC) and Mer Services
Group.
(source: Spacecom)
