Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) (TASE: ARSP.B1) and Spacecom Satellite Communications Ltd. (TASE:SCC) will launch the Amos-3 satellite tomorrow. Amos-3 is an improved commercial satellite which is designed to replace Amos-1which is being taken out of service after 12 years. The Amos-2 was launched in 2003 and will remain in orbit for a further seven and a half years.
Like Amos-1 and Amos-2, Amos-3 will be positioned at longitude 4° west. This position will enable Spacecom to provide television, radio, and data communications services in the Middle East, Europe, and the east coast of the US. According to initial estimates, the satellite will generate revenue of some $500 million over 18 years.
Amos-3 will be launched from the Bikanu Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The satellite, which cost $170 million to make, took three years to be built by a team of 100 employees at IAI's MBT Space Division in Yahud.
Israel is one of only eight countries worldwide that produce satellites.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on April 23, 2008
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