AMOS-5 communications satellite launched
December 12, 2011
Spacecom, operator of the AMOS satellite fleet, has announced that its AMOS-5 satellite has been launched from Baikonur, Kazakhstan. AMOS-5 soared upward aboard a Proton Breeze-M launcher on December 11th. En route to its 17°E orbital position, the satellite is scheduled to separate from the launcher’s last stage within nine-and-one-half hours following ignition and later will unfold its solar panels and communication antennas. In the coming weeks, AMOS-5 will undergo a sequence of in-orbit tests, after which its manufacturer, ISS Reshetnev, will officially hand over control of the satellite to Spacecom. Commercial operation of the satellite’s pan-African C-band and Ku-band payload is scheduled to commence in early 2012.
“AMOS-5’s launch further transforms Spacecom into a leading multi-regional satellite operator is truly a landmark event for us as we prepare to bring our reliable high-quality services to Africa,” stated Spacecom president and CEO David Pollack. “The satellite will offer excellent coverage and ready capacity to a rapidly growing region. Spacecom is excited and looks forward to providing comprehensive and quality communications solutions to Africa.”