Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd. (IAI) will use advanced, innovative technologies to build the Amos 3 communications satellite. IAI`s Systems, Missile and Space Group will design and build the Amos 3 for Spacecom Satellite Communications Ltd. (TASE:SCC) under a $170 million contract. The satellite will be launched in 2007.
IAI president and CEO Moshe Keret welcomed the contract, and said IAI would continue as a leading Israeli and global aerospace company.
The Amos 3 satellite will replace the Amos 1, which has been operational since 1996. Amos 1 has functioned flawlessly. Its mission will end in 2008.
The Amos 3 will be based on the structure of the Amos 2 satellite, with improved performance by its communications payload. The Amos 3 will have 15 high-capacity transponders in two frequency fields delivered by three antennae, two of which will have ground controlled broadcasting capability.
Together with the Amos 2 satellite, which has been operational for 18 months, the number of space-based transponders will be substantially increased. In addition to the current extensive footprint of the Amos 2, the Amos 3 will provide services via mobile beams covering the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and parts of the Americas.
Alcatel Alenia Space and Telespazio Holding will build the Amos 3’s communications payload.
The Amos 3 contract with Spacecom is another step forward in IAI’s space business, which has been growing rapidly in recent years.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on September 20, 2005