Israel successfully launched its most advanced strategic communications satellite.

On July 13, Israel's Dror-1 communications satellite was successfully launched into space from Cape Canaveral launch site in the US.

Image of the Dror-1 communications satellite before being launched by SpaceX on July 13. (Screenshot/SpaceX)

The satellite developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) was launched into orbit using a two-stage Falcon 9 rocket produced by billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX.

According to IAI, the satellite weighs 4.5 tons and has a total length of 17.8 meters (58 feet) when the solar panels are fully deployed. Each pair of receiving antennas, or dishes, is 2.8 meters long, the largest on an Israeli satellite.

The first stage of the rocket - which has been used 13 times - landed safely on a floating platform in the ocean. Meanwhile, the second stage of the rocket is carrying the satellite deeper into space.

In the near future, the shield protecting the warhead will separate, exposing the satellite. The satellite will then deploy its solar panels and antennas to begin the necessary maneuvers to enter a fixed position in orbit. This process is expected to take about 2 weeks, after several orbits around the Earth.

Dror‑1 is a geostationary (GEO) communications satellite developed by IAI under a contract with the Israeli government to ensure communications independence for at least 15 years. The total cost of the project is approximately $190-200 million, mainly funded by the state.

Dror‑1 is equipped with a digital communications processor, allowing for flexible configuration (like a “smartphone in space”). Operators can update applications and adjust the frequency/procedure library from the ground immediately after the satellite is operational. In addition, Dror‑1 is also remotely updateable and resistant to cyber attacks, ensuring long-term performance.

"In the coming weeks, once the satellite is placed into orbit around Earth, IAI engineers will conduct a series of tests to verify the satellite's functionality, after which it will begin a multi-year mission in space as Israel's national communications satellite," IAI said.

IAI CEO Boaz Levy said Dror-1 is "the most advanced communications satellite ever built in Israel, with the goal of maintaining this national strategic capability in the country and providing Israel with vital satellite communications capabilities for years to come."

According to him, Israel's space program has turned its vision into reality thanks to the creativity and innovation of IAI employees, who have developed complex and groundbreaking technologies over the years.

IAI has led Israel's space program since 1988 with the launch of its first satellite, Ofek-1. IAI has developed, built, and launched numerous satellites, both for communications and observation purposes, for military , scientific, and civilian use.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/israel-phong-thanh-cong-ve-tinh-lien-lac-chien-luoc-tien-tien-nhat-320879.html