AMOS (satellite)

AMOS is a name for a series of Israeli communications satellites. All AMOS satellites are operated by Spacecom and are developed by its partner, Israel Aerospace Industries (except AMOS 5 which is developed by JSC/Reshetnev).

• AMOS 1 was the first Israeli communications satellite. Its development was based on experience from Ofeq reconnaissance satellites in association with DASA and Alcatel Alenia Space. It was launched on May 16, 1996 from European Space Centre in French Guiana. It was in use for home TV services (DTH/DBS by the Yes company in Israel and by HBO and others in Europe. Space Communications LTD quickly succeeded in filling all transmission capacity of Amos 1 and accumulated additional requests. Therefore it decided to broaden its activity and initiated AMOS 2 creation which is operational today (see below).

• AMOS 2 was launched on December 28, 2003 from Baikonur, Kazakhstan and it serves clients in three service regions: Middle East (including Israel), Europe and the east coast of USA. Transmission and communication services provided by this satellite include: direct distribution of TV and radio translations; TV and radio translations to communication centers; distribution of internet services, data transmissions to communication networks.

Amos 1 and Amos 2 are placed in proximity to a create common location, which enables satellite users to increase user abilities without additional antennas.

• AMOS 3 was launched on April 28, 2008. It achieved the planned orbit successfully. The $170 million satellite is designed to offer increased capacity, expanded coverage and improved links between the Mideast and Europe and the eastern U.S. It is to remain in space 18 years. AMOS 3 will replace the AMOS 1 satellite. The satellite is located at 4°W on the equator, the same as Amos 1 and Amos 2 satellites.

• AMOS 4 he:עמוס 4 is a larger platform (3.5 tons) than previous AMOS generations and is planned for launch in late 2012 to be placed in geosynchronous orbit at 65° East longitude. It will offer coverage across Southeast Asia along with high power coverage beams offering communication links from East Asia to the Middle East.

• AMOS 5 is scheduled to be launched in mid 2011 and provide coverage over the continent of Africa.