JERUSALEM (JTA) — A fifth Israeli commercial communications satellite was launched.
The Amos 4 satellite separated from the final part of its launcher on Sunday morning and its systems are operational, according to reports. The satellite will take two weeks to reach its final orbit. It was launched the previous evening from Kazakhstan.
The satellite, which is operated by the Israeli company Spacecom Satellite Communications Ltd., will serve as a remote transmission and broadcast hub.
Built by Israel Aerospace Industries for $365 million, the satellite will provide communications services over a wide area that includes Russia, India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
“There are very few countries in the world that can congratulate themselves on such an achievement,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday of the launch.
A sixth satellite is scheduled for launching next year.
