Israel has B”H successfully launched its latest communications satellite, the Amos-17, (“Affordable Modular Optimized Satellite”) after its launch was delayed for two days because of suspected engine problems.

The launch took place from Cape Canaveral in Florida.

Spacecom was hoping to launch the satellite on Sunday evening, but after engineers identified a suspected problem, the launch was called off. According to Spacecom officials, the Amos-17 is the most advanced satellite providing communications services to sub-Sharan Africa, offering coverage for growing satellite service markets in the Middle East and Europe.

The launch was accomplished using the reusable Falcon-9, designed and built by ‘SpaceX’, a two-stage rocket that transports satellites into orbit.

The launch provided by SpaceX was at no cost after Spacecom’s $200 million Amos-6 was destroyed during a launch test explosion in September 2016 at Cape Canaveral. That satellite, the Amos-6, was leased by Facebook. It has since been confirmed by SpaceX that the cause of that explosion was likely a defective helium system in the Falcon-9 liquid oxygen tank.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)