Spacecom and SpaceX Announce Agreement for AMOS-6 Satellite Launch

HAWTHORNE, Calif. & RAMAT-GAN, Israel--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) and Space Communication Ltd. (Spacecom) announced an agreement to launch Spacecom’s AMOS-6 satellite on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Falcon 9 will insert the communications satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO), further enhancing Spacecom’s existing satellite fleet.

“Spacecom was one of our earliest supporters—SpaceX is proud to be their partner and we look forward to launching their AMOS-6 satellite.”

The AMOS-6 agreement is the latest in a series of wins for SpaceX. The company closed out 2012 having signed 14 launch contracts—maintaining the company’s position as the world’s fastest growing launch services provider.

“This last year has been one of great success and tremendous growth,” said Gwynne Shotwell, President of SpaceX. “Spacecom was one of our earliest supporters—SpaceX is proud to be their partner and we look forward to launching their AMOS-6 satellite.”

The AMOS-6 satellite, to be built by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), will provide communication services including direct satellite home internet for Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. AMOS-6 will replace AMOS-2, which is expected to end its service in 2016.

“We are excited to partner with SpaceX and its tremendous team. AMOS-6 will be larger and stronger than AMOS-2 and AMOS-3 combined, and signals a new age for Spacecom,” commented David Pollack, President and CEO of Spacecom. “As we establish our position as a global satellite operator providing more services and capacity, AMOS-6 will be a key element of our business strategy and future.”

The AMOS-6 mission is targeting a 2015 launch from Cape Canaveral, FL.

About SPACECOM

Spacecom (Space-Communication Ltd.), operator of the AMOS-2 and AMOS-3 satellites co-located at 4°W, and AMOS-5 located at 17°E, provides high-quality broadcast and communication services to Europe, the Middle East, the U.S. East Coast and Africa via direct-to-home (DTH) and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) operators, Internet service providers (ISPs), telecom operators, network integrators and government agencies. The company’s planned launches of AMOS-4 in 2013 with coverage over Russia and South Asia, and AMOS-6 in 2015 with coverage over Europe and the Middle East, will further enhance its position as a multi-regional satellite operator.

For more information, please visit: http://www.amos-spacecom.com/.

About SpaceX

SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches the world's most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets. Today, SpaceX is advancing the boundaries of space technology through its Falcon launch vehicles and Dragon spacecraft. SpaceX is a private company owned by management and employees, with minority investments from Founders Fund, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, and Valor Equity Partners. The company has more than 2,000 employees in California, Texas, Washington, D.C., and Florida. For more information, visit www.spacex.com.