Tel Aviv: Israel keeps enhancing its presence in space. On July 13, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) successfully launched the State of Israel’s national communications satellite, “Dror 1,” into space, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA.
The satellite completed the launch process and initial positive diagnostic indications have now been received. Over the coming weeks, upon entering orbit around the Earth, IAI engineers will perform a series of tests designed to verify the satellite’s successful operation. From then on, it will embark on its multi-year journey in space as the State of Israel’s national communications satellite.
Boaz Levy, CEO and President of IAI, commented, “As Israel’s space house, we at IAI are extremely proud of the development and successful launch into space of the State of Israel’s “Dror 1” national communications satellite.
“Dror 1” is the most advanced communications satellite ever built in Israel, designed to preserve this national strategic capability in the country while providing Israel with essential satellite communications capabilities for years to come.”
“Israel’s space program has evolved from vision to reality thanks to the creativity and innovation of IAI’s employees, who have developed complex and groundbreaking technologies over the years. This satellite joins IAI’s other communication and observation satellites in space, which meet the important needs of Israel, as well as those of additional customers. We are proud to demonstrate once again our technological expertise, made in Israel, this time as part of the global space industry,” Boaz Levy added.
IAI is Israel’s national space house. The company has been leading the national space program since the 1980s, with the launch of the first observation satellite, “Ofek 1”. In addition, IAI has developed, manufactured and operated additional communications and observation satellites for scientific, civil and national missions in Israel and worldwide.
“Dror 1” is Israel’s national communications satellite developed and produced by IAI – one of the most advanced of its kind in the world, with innovative capabilities, operating at an altitude of approximately 36,000 km. The satellite will provide a solution for the State of Israel’s communications needs for years to come. It includes advanced and unique communication capabilities that will enable flexibility in communications throughout its operating lifetime.
-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
