SSL to Build AMOS-8 Communications Satellite

26 March, 2018

This $112 million project is a major blow to IAI - Israel Aerospace Industries, who struggle to maintain its space capabilities following the loss of the Amos-17 project

Amos 8 Satellite

SSL, a Maxar Technologies company, was chosen by Spacecom to build its AMOS-8 communications satellite (illustrated above). The satellite will deliver broadcast, broadband and data services from Spacecom’s 4°degrees West ‘hot spot’ to EuropeAfrica and the Middle East. AMOS-8 will include flexible high power Ku-band and Ka-bandpayloads with steerable antennas to enable customers to deliver various added value services. The satellite is designed to provide service for a minimum of 15 years.

It is based on the SSL 1300 platform, which has the capability to support a broad range of applications and technologies. The AMOS-8 geostationary communications satellite will be co-located with AMOS-3. A contract option has been signed between Spacecom and SpaceX for AMOS-8’s scheduled launch in the second half of 2020. This $112 million project is a major blow to IAI – Israel Aerospace Industries, who struggle to maintain its space capabilities following the loss of the Amos-17 project, which was awarded to Beoing in December 2016 for $161 million.

IAI was responsible for the production of Amos-6: A $200 million project that was defined by IAI “as the largest and most advanced communications satellite ever built in Israels.” But on September 1, when it was on top of Falcon 9 launcher owned by SpaceX, an anomaly related to the fueling system resulted with explosion that  destroyed the satellite prior to its launch.

Spacecom (Space-Communication Ltd.) operates the AMOS-3 and AMOS-7 satellites co-located at 4°W, and AMOS-4 at 65°E, provides high-quality broadcast and communication services to Europe, the Middle EastAfrica, and Asia. It is traded on Tel Aviv stock exchange for NIS 288 million (Market Cap).  SSL from Palo Alto, California, designs and manufactures spacecraft for services such as direct-to-home television, video content distribution, broadband internet, mobile communications, in-orbit servicing, space exploration, and Earth observation.

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