Spacecom secures replacement satellite from AsiaSat

Israel-based satellite operator Spacecom has secured an in-orbit replacement satellite for its lost Amos-6 craft, which exploded on the launch-pad in September.

Spacecom has struck an agreement with Asian satellite operator AsiaSat to relocate its AsiaSat 8 satellite from its current orbital position to Spacecom’s 4° West orbital position.

AsiaSat 8 will be co-located with Amos-3, for a four-year period, and will complement Amos-3 in offering a full range of communication services, according to Spacecom.

The satellite, expected to begin service for Spacecom in Q1 2017, will effectively replace the Amos-2 craft that is approaching its end of life. Spacecom has an option to extend the agreement for an additional year of service.

The deal means that Spacecom has achieved the goal it set to secure an in-orbit replacement for Amos-6 before the end of the year, as the operator’s SVP of sales for Europe, North Africa and the Middle East Jacob Keret told DTVE in September.

Subject to regulatory approvals, AsiaSat will relocate its satellite to the 4° West orbital position where it is expected to arrive within 45 days.

Following testing, AsiaSat 8’s beams will cover the Middle East, central and eastern Europe and Africa, enabling Spacecom to provide additional capacity and services to its customers.

David Pollack, CEO and president of Spacecom, said: “We are glad to strengthen our connection with AsiaSat. AsiaSat 8 satellite enables us to continue serving our customers at 4° West orbital location following the expected end of life of Amos-2 and provide them with additional capacity and services.”

Andrew Jordan, President and CEO of AsiaSat, said, “We welcome Spacecom as our latest customer. AsiaSat 8’s superior performance offers an ideal fit for Spacecom’s needs. We look forward to growing this strong partnership in the years to come.”