Israel's new communications satellite, 'Dror 1,' was successfully launched into space from Florida this morning (Sunday).
The launch was carried out using a "Falcon 9" satellite launcher from the SpaceX launch site at Cape Canaveral.
The satellite was built and developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, and is designed to meet Israel's satellite communications needs for the next 15 years.
The Israel Aerospace Industries says that this is a leading satellite of its kind in terms of technology and reception and transmission capabilities.
''Dror 1' consists primarily of local Israeli technologies developed at the IAI, including an advanced digital communications payload and 'smartphone in space' capabilities, to provide communications flexibility throughout the satellite's life in space.
The satellite weighs 4.5 tons, has a wingspan of 17.8 meters, and has the largest transmitting and receiving antennas built in Israel.
Israel Aerospace Industries is currently operating and developing ten satellites in space.
The 'Dror' satellite series is the replacement for the 'Amos' series. The 'Amos 6' satellite crashed during launch about two years ago.
As a result, the government decided to establish a series of communications satellites from a new satellite family, which is being developed by Israel Aerospace Industries.
Israel Aerospace Industries, as the national space agency of the State of Israel, has been leading the space program since the 1980s, when the first observation satellite, Ofek 1, was launched.
In addition, the company developed, manufactured and operated additional communications and observation satellites for scientific, civil and national missions - in Israel and around the world.
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