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Spacecom, operator of the AMOS satellite fleet, confirmed the successful launch of its AMOS-17 satellite from Cape Canaveral, FL. AMOS-17 soared upward aboard a SpaceX Falcon-9 launch vehicle at 02:23 Israel time (23:23 UTC) on August 6, 2019 (UTC time). En route to its 17°E orbital position, the satellite separated from the launcher’s second stage at the 33-minute stage following ignition and, as planned, is in constant contact with its ground station. During the next weeks, AMOS-17 will begin its testing processes in orbit.
Manufactured by Boeing Satellite Systems International, AMOS-17 is 6.5-ton high-power, HTS, satellite designed specifically to meet Africa’s fast-growing communication demands. AMOS-17’s advanced digital payload will provide extensive C-Band HTS, Ka-band and Ku-band capabilities, enabling the combination of broad regional beams and high throughput spot beams to maximize throughput and spectral efficiency. It will offer connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, Europe, India, China and as far west as Brazil.
Following a sequence of In-Orbit Tests that are expected to take approximately three months, AMOS-17 is scheduled to begin commercial operations at the 17°E orbital position later in 2019.
Spacecom CEO and president David Pollack stated, “AMOS-17 places us directly into the exciting growth of Africa’s Sub-Saharan vibrant markets. As a leading multi-regional satellite operator, Spacecom is introducing the most technologically advanced satellite with HTS beams to service Africa where AMOS-17 will deliver a large selection of services to a variety of broadcast, broadband and telecom clients.”
