AMOS 2 Communications Satellite Successfully Launched

The Israeli telecommunications satellite, AMOS 2, was successfully launched into space from the Russian Space Centre, Baikonur, at the end of last year. The satellite offers a wide range of communications services, for example, radio and television programmes and Internet and broadband communications services.

Before the launch, the satellite was subjected to detailed tests regarding its fitness for spaceflight in the IABG Space Test Centre. From the end of February until the beginning of November 2003, a demanding test programme was carried out. Vibration tests, acoustic and shock tests were included, as were the determination of the mass properties, thermal vacuum tests, solar simulation tests and antenna and payload tests in the Compact Test Range. In addition, subsystems and components were integrated into the satellite.

The data, which AMOS 2 transmits to the Earth from its geostationary orbit, show that all systems are functioning as targeted.

With its comprehensive tests on the AMOS 2 satellite, IABG has made a valuable contribution to the success of this project.