Amos-5 makes successful launch

Spacecom, operator of the Amos satellite fleet, has announced the successful launch of its Amos-5 satellite from Baikonur, Kazakhstan.

Amos-5 launched aboard a Proton Breeze-M launcher yesterday at 11:17 GMT to its 17° East orbital position.
In the coming weeks, Amos-5 will undergo a sequence of in-orbit tests, after which its manufacturer, ISS Reshetnev, will officially handover 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. It is truly a landmark event for us as we prepare to bring our reliable high-quality services to Africa,” said 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.”