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Israeli space communication (Spacecom) is planning a satellite launch this weekend, which it hopes will mark a rebound after a series of major setbacks in recent years.
Amos 17, which will provide communications services to Africa, had a total budget of about $ 250 million, including manufacturing, insurance and launch, and will join three others. activities of Spacecom.
It was manufactured by Boeing and has a life expectancy of about 20 years.
Spacecom hopes that a successful launch on August 3 in Cape Canaveral, Florida, will put an end to a bad pbad.
In 2015, the company lost contact with its Amos 5 satellite. A year later, Amos 6 was destroyed a few days before its planned launch, when the SpaceX rocket had to go into orbit and exploded.
"We have learned from these disasters," David Pollack, CEO, told Reuters on Sunday after a press conference. For example, he stated that Amos 17 would not be badociated with the launcher until it was fully tested.
"What happened with Amos 5 and Amos 6 was a setback for the company, so we know what to do. We believe that we know how to grow. And this is a great opportunity offered by Amos 17, the most advanced satellite on the continent that needs it the most, "said Pollack.
Amos 17 is expected to launch a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and orbit 36,000 kilometers over central Africa, providing television, Internet and cellular services as well as services to governments.
The company said it had a backlog of $ 58 million for communication services to Africa and other services.
Pollack said he hoped to recover the costs of Amos 17 in line with industry standards, which is about six to seven years.
Spacecom's shares remain well below their peak of 78.30 shekels set in June 2010, but have recovered in recent weeks and closed up 3% to 12 shekels on Sunday.
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