Private launch company SpaceX Inc. will launch the Amos 6 communications satellite of Spacecom Satellite Communications Ltd. (TASE:SCC) in 2015. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launcher will carry the Amos 6 a geosynchronous transfer orbit.
Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) (TASE: ARSP.B1) will build the Amos 6. The satellite will provide communication services including direct satellite home internet for Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, replacing the Amos 2, which will end its service in 2016.
SpaceX said that the AMOS-6 agreement was its latest win, after signing 14 contracts in 2012, which maintained the company’s position as the world’s fastest growing launch services provider. SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell said, “Spacecom was one of our earliest supporters. SpaceX is proud to be their partner and we look forward to launching their AMOS-6 satellite."
“We are excited to partner with SpaceX and its tremendous team. Amos 6 will be larger and stronger than the Amos 2 and Amos 3 combined, and signals a new age for Spacecom,” said Spacecom president and David Pollack. “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."
Spacecom currently operates the Amos 2 and Amos 3 satellites, which cover Europe, the Middle East, the US East Coast and Africa via direct-to-home (DTH) and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) operators, Internet service providers (ISPs), telecom operators, network integrators and government agencies. The planned launches of the Amos 4 in 2013, which will cover Russia and South Asia, and the Amos 6 in 2015 will expand the company's reach as a multi-regional satellite operator.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 30, 2013
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