Scheduled for launch in 2020 to 4°West orbital position, AMOS-8 satellite will increase access to high-speed data and streaming entertainment to customers across Europe, Africa and the Middle EastPALO ALTO, CA and TEL AVIV, Israel, March 26, 2018 /CNW/ - Spacecom (TASE: SCC), operator of the AMOS satellite fleet, today announced it has chosen SSL, a Maxar Technologies company (formerly MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.), (NYSE: MAXR; TSX: MAXR) to build its AMOS-8 advanced communications satellite. The satellite will deliver state-of-the-art broadcast, broadband and data services from Spacecom's 4°degrees West 'hot spot' to Europe, Africa and the Middle East.AMOS-8 will include flexible high power Ku-band and Ka-bandpayloads with steerable antennas to enable customers to deliver various added value services. The satellite is designed to provide service for a minimum of 15 years, and is based on the world's most popular commercial communications satellite platform—the SSL 1300—which has the capability to support a broad range of advanced applications and technologies."SSL is dedicated to delivering advanced space systems and services that inform, entertain and connect people around the globe," said Dario Zamarian, group president of SSL. "SSL will demonstrate our industry-leading technological capabilities, our legacy of expertise and our commercial mindset to meet all of Spacecom's mission requirements. We are honored to be selected to manufacture this satellite, which will enable access for underserved people in Europe, Africa and the Middle East to high-speed, reliable data—a connection essential in today's digital world to understand what is happening across the planet and participate fully in the global community."The AMOS-8 geostationary communications satellite will be co-located with AMOS-3. A contract option has been signed between Spacecom and SpaceX for AMOS-8's scheduled launch in the second half of 2020."AMOS-8 will bring additional high-quality capacity to expand our offerings and provide our partners with the abilities to add new and exciting services," said David Pollack, CEO and president of Spacecom. "Spacecom is dedicated to delivering reliable and cost-effective services that are enjoyed and relied upon by millions of people and businesses. We are eager to work together with SSL to develop this new satellite."
In a notice to the Tel Aviv stock exchange, Spacecom said it is paying $112 million for the satellite, along with a ground control system, launch support services, and operational support of the satellite over its lifetime.
Also unclear is any effect Israel ordering a satellite will have on Spacecom’s procurement of Amos-8. Spacecom has 60 days from contract signing to cancel its $112 million Amos-8 order without incurring fees. Spacecom and IAI did not respond to SpaceNews inquiries by press time.
Israel's @AMOSSpacecom sat operator, as expected, asks for 30-day extension to entry-into-force deadline for Amos-8 sat-build contract w/ @sslmda @MaxarTech. Co. needs time to weigh Israeli govt order with @ILAerospaceIAI.
Tweet from Peter B. de Selding:QuoteIsrael's @AMOSSpacecom sat operator, as expected, asks for 30-day extension to entry-into-force deadline for Amos-8 sat-build contract w/ @sslmda @MaxarTech. Co. needs time to weigh Israeli govt order with @ILAerospaceIAI.
Quote from: gongora on 05/28/2018 03:18 pmTweet from Peter B. de Selding:QuoteIsrael's @AMOSSpacecom sat operator, as expected, asks for 30-day extension to entry-into-force deadline for Amos-8 sat-build contract w/ @sslmda @MaxarTech. Co. needs time to weigh Israeli govt order with @ILAerospaceIAI.Just noticed this... what does it mean for those that don't have the background?
Quote from: Lar on 06/21/2018 05:07 pmQuote from: gongora on 05/28/2018 03:18 pmTweet from Peter B. de Selding:QuoteIsrael's @AMOSSpacecom sat operator, as expected, asks for 30-day extension to entry-into-force deadline for Amos-8 sat-build contract w/ @sslmda @MaxarTech. Co. needs time to weigh Israeli govt order with @ILAerospaceIAI.Just noticed this... what does it mean for those that don't have the background?They haven't really committed to the contract for Amos-8 yet. It could end up being cancelled, and they go with the locally built satellite with the Israeli government as an anchor customer. It's pretty much all politics at this point, who knows how it will turn out.
In a filing with the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange on Sunday, Spacecom reported that the contracted company, Palo Alto, California-based Space Systems/Loral LLC, has agreed to defer payment until September 25.
The government will subsidize the development and construction of a new Israeli-built communication satellite, the Science and Technology Ministry announced on Monday.The AMOS-8 satellite will be built and designed entirely in Israel by Israel Aerospace Industries.
In March this year, Spacecom announced a $112 million agreement with Loral Space & Communications Inc. to build the Amos 8 satellite. Spacecom's previous satellites were built by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). In September, the Israeli government decided to award the contract for its new communications satellite to IAI, in order to preserve Israel's satellite construction know-how.The effective cancellation of Spacecom's agreement with Loral in turn means that its agreement with SpaceX for launching the satellite is cancelled. Spacecom is entitled to repayment of most of the amount it has already paid to SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk.
Spacecom cancels satellite deals with Loral, SpaceXQuoteIn March this year, Spacecom announced a $112 million agreement with Loral Space & Communications Inc. to build the Amos 8 satellite. Spacecom's previous satellites were built by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). In September, the Israeli government decided to award the contract for its new communications satellite to IAI, in order to preserve Israel's satellite construction know-how.The effective cancellation of Spacecom's agreement with Loral in turn means that its agreement with SpaceX for launching the satellite is cancelled. Spacecom is entitled to repayment of most of the amount it has already paid to SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk.
Re: Immediate Report Nature of the Event: Agreements for the Acquisition and Launch of the Amos 8 Satellite - Update Further to the Company's reports regarding its undertaking to purchase the Amos 8 satellite from SPACE, the Company updates that the last date for payment and updating of the Loral Systems / By the Company, which applies today, will not be extended and therefore, the agreement will not take effect and will be canceled. In addition, following the cancellation of the agreement with Loreal, the company notified SpaceX of the cancellation of the launch agreement. Pursuant to the provisions of the agreement, the Company is entitled to reimbursement of the amounts paid to SpaceX by the Amos 28 satellite for the Amos 8 launch, with the exception of an agreed upon amount of SpaceX. As reported in the past, the Company is working to optimize the Amos 8 satellite program, and examines the feasibility and feasibility of several alternatives, including the possibility of cooperation with the Government of Israel.
Any ideas why the manufacturing and launch contracts are tied together? I don't see that noted in the previous arrticles.Israel doesn't have a domestic option for GSO launch, unlike for commsat manufacturing. They would have to farm the launch out to either SpaceX or ArianeSpace anyway.
How does this work out in the context of insurance replacement/freebies from the Amos-6 loss? I guess SpaceX is up to launch whatever is handed over to them for free, but I guess the insurance payout gets to decide the replacement sat?
Quote from: Asteroza on 10/01/2018 01:32 amHow does this work out in the context of insurance replacement/freebies from the Amos-6 loss? I guess SpaceX is up to launch whatever is handed over to them for free, but I guess the insurance payout gets to decide the replacement sat?The insurance payout is just money. You can spend it on another sat, throw a big party, stick it in the bank, whatever.