Tel Aviv. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced August 11 that Israel’s national communications satellite, ‘Dror 1’, has successfully reached its designated altitude of 36,000 km and commenced its operational mission for the State of Israel. Upon achieving its planned trajectory, the satellite transmitted telemetry, confirming the deployment of the solar panels, the communication antennas and the activation of its main engine, which positioned the satellite precisely in its intended orbit.
IAI president and CEO, Boaz Levy said that the telemetry received from Israel’s national communications satellite ‘Dror 1’ confirms its full functionality and successful entry into orbit, marking another major milestone in Israel’s journey to space independence.
“Guided by a deep sense of responsibility for the State of Israel’s strategic decision, IAI is proud to lead the nation’s space endeavours and provide it with sovereign capabilities in space. This next generation of communications satellites, exemplified by ‘Dror 1,’ embodies engineering excellence and foresight, delivering advanced solutions to meet Israel’s diverse and evolving needs,” he added.
IAI launched the satellite on July 13, 2025, aboard a Falcon 9 satellite launcher from the SpaceX launch site in Cape Canaveral, USA. Following liftoff, the satellite transmitted initial telemetry indicating its proper functionality. After a series of tests conducted by IAI’s engineers, telemetry updates confirmed its successful entry into orbit. The satellite’s journey to its final destination included a series of in-space checks, orchestrated from IAI’s control centre, with precise adjustments bringing it to its designated altitude and orbital position.
IAI is Israel’s national “Space House” and has been at the forefront of the country’s space programs since the 1980s. The company has developed, manufactured, and launched a series of cutting-edge communications and observation satellites, serving scientific, civilian, and national missions in Israel and worldwide.
‘Dror 1’ is a national, Israeli-developed and-produced communications satellite, among the most advanced of its kind globally. Equipped with a wide range of innovative capabilities, it is designed to meet Israel’s communications needs for the years to come. Built and engineered by IAI in Israel, ‘Dror 1’ offers unique, advanced communications technologies that will enable flexible, secure and reliable communication throughout its operational life.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
