AMOS (satellite)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Satellite communications |
| Headquarters | Israel , Israel |
Area served | Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia |
| Products | Communications satellites (AMOS fleet) |
AMOS (an acronym for Affordable Modular Optimized Satellite) represents a fleet of Israeli communications satellites managed by the Israel-based company Spacecom. Except for AMOS-5, developed by the Russian company ISS Reshetnev using the Ekspress bus, and AMOS-17, built by Boeing on its BSS-702 platform, all other AMOS satellites were constructed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) employing the AMOS bus.
Function
The AMOS satellite fleet has been launched aboard five distinct rocket types: Soyuz, Zenit, Proton, Ariane, and Falcon 9. These launches took place from three different locations: Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome, French Guiana’s Centre Spatial Guyanais, and Florida’s Cape Canaveral.
This satellite system facilitates direct-to-home television broadcasting, broadband internet connectivity, and communication solutions tailored for governmental and commercial users. Strategically positioned, the AMOS constellation delivers coverage across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Engineered to endure the rigors of space, these satellites typically maintain functionality for approximately 15 years.
Other uses
In addition to their commercial roles, AMOS satellites contribute to scientific investigations and defense operations. For example, AMOS-2 has been utilized to analyze the impact of space weather on communication systems, while AMOS-3 supports secure military communications for Israel. The constellation also assists in intelligence gathering and enables emergency communication during disaster response efforts.
Awards
The AMOS satellite series has garnered recognition within the satellite communications industry, including honors such as the “Satellite Executive of the Year Award” received in 2014.
AMOS-6 failure
Constructed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) under contract with Spacecom, the AMOS-6 satellite was intended for geostationary orbit deployment with an expected service duration of 15 years. It featured cutting-edge Ka-band and Ku-band transponders, steerable spot beams, and electric propulsion systems. Facebook had leased this satellite to bolster its Internet.org initiative aimed at expanding internet access across Africa.
On September 1, 2016, during a static fire test, the Falcon 9 rocket carrying AMOS-6 exploded, resulting in total loss of the satellite and damage to the launch facility. This accident inflicted an estimated $200 million financial setback on Spacecom and prompted SpaceX to halt launches temporarily while investigating the incident. The event highlighted concerns regarding commercial launch safety and reliability, emphasizing the pivotal role of satellite communication in global connectivity and economic development. As of mid-October 2023, SpaceX has successfully completed 235 consecutive orbital missions without failure.
Satellites
- AMOS-1 marked Israel's inaugural communications satellite. It was developed with expertise drawn from the Ofeq reconnaissance satellite program in collaboration with DASA and Alcatel. Launched on 16 May 1996 from the Guiana Space Centre, it provided direct-to-home television services (DTH/DBS) for Israeli provider Yes as well as European customers including HBO. The satellite’s capacity was rapidly utilized by Spacecom, leading to the subsequent creation of AMOS-2. In 2009, AMOS-1 was sold to Intelsat and renamed Intelsat 24.
- AMOS-2, launched on 28 December 2003 from Baikonur Cosmodrome, delivers services across the Middle East, Europe, and the US East Coast. It supports television and radio broadcasting, internet access, and data transfer. Co-located with AMOS-1 to maximize user benefits without additional antenna requirements, AMOS-2 now shares orbital proximity with AMOS-3 following the latter’s replacement of AMOS-1.
- AMOS-3, deployed on 28 April 2008 at a cost of approximately US$170 million, provides enhanced capacity and extended coverage connecting the Middle East, Europe, and Eastern United States. Designed for an operational lifespan of around 18 years, it replaced AMOS-1 and operates at 4° West longitude alongside AMOS-2.
- AMOS-4, a larger platform weighing roughly 3500 kg launched from Baikonur on 31 August 2013, functions at 65° East longitude. Its high-power beams facilitate connectivity between Southeast Asia and extend links from East Asia to the Middle East.
- AMOS-5, which lifted off on 11 December 2011, provided coverage over Africa, Europe, and the Middle East at an orbital position of 17° East. Unlike other AMOS satellites developed by IAI, this one was produced by Russian manufacturer Reshetnev. Contact with AMOS-5 was lost in November 2015.
- AMOS-6, a satellite weighing about 5500 kg constructed by Israel Aerospace Industries as a successor to AMOS-2, was destroyed during a launchpad explosion at Cape Canaveral on September 1, 2016.
- AMOS-7 (AsiaSat 8), launched on August 5, 2014 via SpaceX.
- AMOS-8, commissioned in September 2018 by the Israeli government to continue national satellite capabilities following AMOS-6’s loss; this project was later cancelled.
- AMOS-17, launched on August 6, 2019, is based on Boeing's BSS 702MP platform operating across Ka-, Ku-, and C-bands. It replaces AMOS-5 and serves regions including Africa, Europe, and the Middle East at an orbital slot of 17° East.