The launching of Amos 3 communications satellite, set for Thursday morning, has been delayed. The improved communications satellite, which was scheduled to enter the launching pad Thursday aboard a missile carrier from the launching site in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, will not be launched for the time being due to a malfunction.
Minutes before the anticipated launch, attended by President Shimon Peres, a technical problem was found in the separation of the satellite’s supporting arm – to the engineers’ dissatisfaction. The launching of the satellite has been postponed indefinitely while the problem is being examined, though the malfunction is not in the satellite itself.
Malfunction is not in the satellite. (Photo: Spacecom)
Amos 3 is the most improved satellite model designed so far by “Space-Communication Ltd (Spacecom),” planned to take off aboard a missile carrier to the same area in space where Amos 1 and Amos 2 are located.
The satellite was designed and built by the Israel Military Industry for the operating company, which defined the improved functions required from the satellite. The satellite is supposed to replace its predecessor, Amos 1, after 12 years of activity.
The launch preparations were part of Israel ’s60th celebrations, and the satellite’s carrier was adorned with Israel’s 60th logo. The satellite cost $170 million, and is expected to function for 18 years.