AMOS (satellite bus)
The AMOS (Hebrew: עמוס), an acronym for Affordable Modular Optimized Satellite, is a family of light weight satellite bus for geostationary orbit communications satellite designed and manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) of Israel.[1]
Families[edit]
Little is known regarding the different variations. But it is known of at least two built versions and a third in development.[2]
AMOS (original)[edit]
The AMOS bus is a lightweight version used for satellites between 1.5 and 2 t (1.7 and 2.2 tons), with 800 to 1700 watts of power.[3][4][5] The satellite bus started with the AMOS-1, the smallest of all the family, and increased mass, payload successively in the AMOS-2 and AMOS-3.[6]
AMOS 4000[edit]
The AMOS 4000 platform is the second generation, a much bigger and sophisticated satellite bus. It is prepared for satellites weighing between 3 and 5.5 t (3.3 and 6.1 tons) and with power generation between 3 and 12 kW. It offers more autonomous capabilities and advanced control applications. It is composed of three modules: Bus, Repeater and Earth Facing Antennas.[7]
Only two satellites have used this bus: AMOS-4, massing 4,250 kg (9,370 lb) and generating 6 kW of power.[8][9] And AMOS-6 at 5,400 kg (11,900 lb) and generating 10 kW.[7][10] But AMOS-6 is enhanced by using electric propulsion for station keeping only. Orbit raising is still done by the more traditional and faster chemical propulsion.[11]
AMOS E[edit]
The next development of the AMOS satellite bus is the implementation of pure electric propulsion. The increased efficiency for orbit raising and station keeping in comparison to chemical propulsion can result in reductions of mass of up to 50%. The expected spacecraft mass will be in the 1.5 to 2 t (1.7 to 2.2 tons) range and offer an expected life of 15 years. This new product will be ready by 2018 and IAI expect it to win some foreign orders.[11][12]
List of AMOS-based satellites[edit]
The currently known uses of the AMOS satellite bus has been for most of the AMOS series of civilian communications satellites operated by Spacecom, also of Israel.[2]
See also[edit]
- Ofeq – Ofeq family of satellites on which technology the first versions of the AMOS platform was based.
- EROS (satellite) – EROS family of Earth observation satellites also made by IAI.
References[edit]
- ^ "IAI to launch new 5-ton AMOS satellite". Space Daily. 16 July 2012. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
- ^ a b "IAI: AMOS Bus". Gunter's Space Page. 9 April 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
- ^ a b "AMOS1 Communications Satellite". Israel Aerospace Industries. 12 October 2015. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
- ^ a b "AMOS2 Communications Satellite". Israel Aerospace Industries. 12 October 2015. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
- ^ a b "AMOS3 Communications Satellite". Israel Aerospace Industries. 12 October 2015. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
- ^ "IAI/MBT Division Space Technologies". Israel Aerospace Industries. 18 June 2001. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
- ^ a b "Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has successfully launched Spacecom's AMOS-4". Israel Aerospace Industries. 31 August 2013. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
- ^ a b "AMOS 4". Gunter's Space Page. 17 April 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
- ^ a b "AMOS4 Communications Satellite". Israel Aerospace Industries. 12 October 2015. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
- ^ a b "AMOS 6". Gunter's Space Page. 17 April 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
- ^ a b de Selding, Peter B. (15 October 2015). "Israel Aerospace Industries Sharpens its Satellite Export Focus". SpaceNews. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
- ^ "IAI is developing the AMOS-E Satellite". Israel Aerospace Industries. 12 October 2015. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
- ^ "AMOS 1 → Intelsat 24". Gunter's Space Page. 17 April 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
- ^ "AMOS 2". Gunter's Space Page. 17 April 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
- ^ "AMOS 3 (AMOS 60)". Gunter's Space Page. 17 April 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2016.