spacetoday.net: Spacecom selects SpaceX for satellite launches

Posted: Sun, Oct 22, 2017, 11:23 AM ET (1523 GMT)
Spacecom will launch its next satellite on a Falcon 9, with an option for a second mission, despite losing a satellite in a pad explosion last year. The Israeli satellite operator said Wednesday it will launch the Amos-17 satellite on a Falcon 9 in 2019, using the "full credits" from last year's planned launch of Amos-6. That satellite was destroyed in a pad explosion during preparations for a static fire test on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral. The Amos-17 launch may use a previously flown first stage. The agreement includes an option for the launch of the future Amos-8 satellite in 2020. Spacecom has yet to order that satellite, which will be the replacement for Amos-6.