Israel launches the most advanced communications satellite in its history

In a new milestone for the Israeli aerospace industry, the Dror-1 communications satellite was successfully launched into space this Sunday from Cape Canaveral, United States, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This is the most advanced satellite ever built in Israel, designed and developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

With a weight of 4.5 metric tons (9,921 pounds) and a total span of 17.8 meters (58 feet 5.8 inches) when its solar panels are fully deployed, Dror-1 is equipped with two receiving antennas, each 2.8 meters (9 feet 2.2 inches) in diameter, the largest on an Israeli satellite. This high-capacity system is intended to meet the country's communication needs for the next 15 years.

The first stage of the rocket, reused for the thirteenth time, landed successfully on the floating platform "Just Read the Instructions" off the coast of Florida, while the second stage placed the satellite on its trajectory toward a geostationary orbit 36,000 kilometers (22,369 miles) from Earth. In the next two weeks, the satellite will fully deploy its systems and will undergo rigorous testing before entering operation.

"Dror-1 is the most advanced communications satellite ever built in Israel," stated Boaz Levy, CEO of IAI, during the launch event. "It represents a strategic national capability, the result of our engineers' creativity and innovation."

This launch consolidates Israel's technological leadership in the space field. Since 1988, when Ofek-1 was launched, IAI has led the country's space program, developing satellites for both military and civilian use. With Dror-1, Israel strengthens its independence in communications and once again demonstrates its ability to compete in the global technological elite.