Israel launches Russian-made satellite for Africa telecommunications from Kazakhstan

Special to WorldTribune.com

TEL AVIV — Israel has launched an advanced satellite into space
orbit.

A Russian Proton-M carrier rocket with Israel's Amos-5 satellite on board prepares for liftoff from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan on Dec. 11. /Oleg Urusov/RIA Novosti

Israel’s Spacecom has overseen the launch of its Amos-5 communications satellite, the first Israeli satellite manufactured in Russia. Executives said Amos-5 was transported aboard a Proton-M space launch vehicle, fired from Kazakhstan on Dec. 11.

“Amos-5 will position Spacecom at the forefront of Africa’s emerging satellite services market,” Spacecom vice president Eyal Copitt said.

Executives said Amos-5, with a shelf life of 15 years, was manufactured by Russia’s NPO PM. They said the space facility cost $157 million and was the largest of Spacecom’s satellites.

Spacecom also operates Amos-2 and Amos-3 satellites, both produced by IAI. IAI has been working on Amos-4, scheduled to be launched in 2012.

Executives said Amos-5, with 18 C-band and 16 Ku-band transponders, was
equipped with systems that would enable it to function as a transmission
hub.

They said this would enhance services for telecommunications and
Internet providers.

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