AMOS 3

Spacecom Satellite Communications has signed an agreement in September 2005 with Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) to buy its third satellite, AMOS 3, from the Israeli defense contractor. IAI will start construction of the communications satellite immediately and launch the AMOS-3 in December 2007. The cost of the new satellite is $170 million. The new satellite will include 15 high-capacity transponders in the Ku- and Ka-band delivered by two antennae, both of which will have ground-controlled broadcasting capability. The AMOS-3 will cover the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and parts of the Americas.