Falcon9

Communications satellite operator Space Communication (Spacecom) has signed an agreement with Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) to launch its AMOS-6 satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral, Florida, US, in 2015.

The launch will mark Spacecom’s first payload to fly with SpaceX.

Construction of the AMOS-6 satellite is currently being carried out by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

Weighing 12,125lbs, the communications satellite will be launched on an upgraded Falcon 9 rocket, which is slated to take its first test launch later this year from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, US.

The enhanced launcher will feature extended first stage fuel tanks, powerful Merlin engines and a revised first stage engine configuration.

The carrier rocket will place the communications satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) at 4°W longitude, which will further enhance Spacecom’s existing satellite fleet.

Designed to operate for 16 years, the AMOS-6 satellite will provide direct satellite home internet and other communications services to Africa, the Middle East and European regions.

"The AMOS-6 satellite will provide direct satellite home internet and other communications services to Africa, the Middle East and European regions."

It will replace the existing AMOS-2, which was launched in 2003 and is expected to end its service in 2016.

AMOS is a series of Israeli communications satellites developed by IAI and operated by Spacecom.

Spacecom, established in 1993, operates AMOS-2 and AMOS-3 satellites co-located at 4°W, and AMOS-5 located at 17°E, providing broadcast and communication services to Europe, the Middle East, the US East Coast and Africa through direct-to-home (DTH) and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) operators, Internet service providers (ISPs), telecom operators, network integrators.

Meanwhile, SpaceX is scheduled for the second commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in California on 1 March.

Image: SpaceX’s Falcon 9 vehicle was used to launch Dragon commercial spacecraft. Photo: courtesy of SpaceX.

Defence Technology