Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) and Space Communication (Spacecom) of Ramat-Gan Israel, operator of the AMOS satellite fleet, have signed an agreement for launch of a communication satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 as early as December 2012.
“As a highly competitive solution for in-orbit delivery, Falcon 9 supports us as we transition into a leading global satellite services provider,” said David Pollack, president and CEO of Spacecom. “With a larger fleet providing more service options and capacity, we can continue to provide the highest quality satellite communications services and exceed customer expectations.”
Falcon 9 will insert the satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO), adding to Spacecom’s existing satellite fleet. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is also involved in the transaction.
Spacecom provides broadcasting and communications services to DBS and DTH operators, as well as a wide range of broadcasters, ISPs, telecommunications operators, government organizations and network integrators with Internet, voice, data and digital TV services. This latest deal supports company plans to launch at least four additional satellites in the coming years to multiple orbital positions.
“SpaceX is proud to be Spacecom’s launch services provider and we look forward to helping ensure the successful delivery of their satellite,” said Gwynne Shotwell, president of SpaceX. “In closing this deal, SpaceX now has twenty three Falcon 9 flights on contract representing a variety of commercial and government customers, for both LEO and GTO missions.”
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 is a medium-to-heavy lift, two-stage launch vehicle capable of lifting approximately 11 tons to low Earth orbit (LEO) and in excess of 4.5 tons to GTO. Designed to the highest levels of reliability and performance, Falcon 9, along with SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, was selected by NASA to resupply the International Space Station starting in 2010.