CEO of Space Communications David Polak: I am convinced that the launch company is doing everything for the satellite to function properly * Report from the event that took place at the President's residence
The launch of the Amos-3 communication satellite has been postponed until the beginning of next week
Update 24/4/08 time 14:30
The launch of the Amos-3 communications satellite from Israel Aerospace Industries, of the Space-Communications Company, has been delayed by a few days, and will probably be launched early next week.
According to a report received from the Baikonur launch site, it appears that the separation process between the supporting arm and the satellite was not carried out in a manner that satisfied the launch engineers. The separation distance between the arm and the launcher was not complete, and because of this it was decided to postpone the launch until the necessary tests were carried out.
The engineers of the launch company are working on repairing the separation piston in order to launch the satellite early next week. The launching company emphasizes that according to the tests it conducted there is no malfunction related to the satellite or the launcher.
David Polak, CEO of Halal-Communications said today that: "The launch of the Amos-3 satellite into space must be done precisely with zero malfunctions. A delay in this type of launch is something that happens and is taken into account. We trust the launching company that decided to postpone the launch and thus prevent possible malfunctions in the process."
Update at 09:10 - The Russian news agency reports that the launch of the Amos 3 satellite has been delayed by 24 hours and will take place tomorrow, Friday at eight o'clock in the morning.
The first announcement of the postponement was made by the CEO of the space company, David Polak, during a ceremony held at the President's residence intended to accompany the launch: "During the separation of the satellite from the supporting arm, the separation was not smooth and did not satisfy the engineers. With launches you don't take risks. Now the Russian teams are working hard. I don't know if I want to apologize for delaying. It's a shame for all of us that there is a delay and that we can't experience the excitement together. "
In a conversation from Baikonur, the manager of the Amos 3 program at the Space Company, David Zosiman, explained: "The arm that supports the launcher came down abnormally. The launch company is looking into the possibility of launching within the launch window within an hour. However, the launch may be delayed for a few days. There is no fault with the rocket or the satellite."
An expert on space launches, Tal Inbar, who was present at the event at the President's residence, explains in a conversation with the Hedaan website that if there is a delay, it will last a few days. "The chance that it will be possible to check the effect of the non-nominal descent of the arm within an hour is slim, and in two days there should be a launch from Baikonur, although then a different launch, the second satellite in the series of European positioning satellites Galileo. Although it is not the same launch, it is something that may occupy the base Therefore, it is clear that the postponement will be for several days, even though they talked about a slight possibility within an hour."
"Launches do not always go as planned, the important thing is that there is no problem with the missile itself and the satellite, but only with a part of the array that supports it. Since it is not something nominal, we do not take any chances even though everything may be fine."
A state event at the President's residence
Earlier, as mentioned, a ceremony was held at the President's House in which President Shimon Peres, Minister of Science Ralav Majadala, and the CEO of the Space Company spoke. President Peres provided the state dimension after the events for the launch of the Amos 3 satellite were integrated into the XNUMXth celebration of the State of Israel and the satellite canopy even bears the symbol the celebrations.
Peres: "This is a rare opportunity for a man to feel the pangs of birth. An unusual achievement for a small country that is capable of producing greatness. What Amos gives us is amazing space, ability, imagination, and ability to execute. I am sure that Amos sees the new Middle East better than we do . Israel can be a new land with spaces and dimensions that we did not know."
"And seriously - there is a journey that we are just beginning. Anyone who thinks that science has already advanced is living in error. Although the computer has increased its power in an incredible way. Science is still very poor, starting with the human brain, which we are just beginning to understand. The devices at our disposal are crude compared to the delicacy of the brain. We We don't know about the depth of the oceans, and about the space in which there are millions of balls like ours. We just swim in them and try to connect with them and they will also determine the fate of the earth and the fate of man In the future, Israel should be a pioneer in science. For science, you need audacity like Meir Amit's."
"You can't tolerate delays, hesitations and fears. When the company was founded, the money required to invest in Amos 1 seemed like a large amount, but today it turns out that it was a sound financial investment. When we buy an airplane or build a building, we pay 2-3 times what it costs us when we build it ourselves. An airplane is built by 3 companies - engines, body, avionics, each company earns 10% - 30% each company pays more income tax 60%. We have an advance of 60% when we build the satellite in Israel. What is special about Amos is the proportions that allow small nations to do great things There is no second row and those who want a first row should buy a ticket, dare and take off."
Minister of Science Ralav Majadala: "Israel is a member of an exclusive and limited club of countries capable of building and operating satellites, a certificate of honor for Israel's science and technology community and further proof of the environment of excellence in which research and development operates, a year at the height of achievements. At this moment, eight satellites produced by the aerospace industry are sailing in the sky , most of them are active."
"The Ministry of Science, Culture and Sports and the Space Agency are a major factor in the field of space. Let's mention the Venus satellite, a joint project between the Israeli government and France. In addition, this year the satellite for astronomical observations (TAUVEX) will be launched. Israel is a pioneer in lightweight satellites and a powerhouse in the field of observation satellites from space. The State of Israel demonstrates how a technological advantage is translated into an economic business and provides an answer as economic leverage to Israeli society. We receive further proof of the necessity of the research and development policy to achieve long-term economic goals."
"As a member of the government, I am doing as much as possible for the government to increase its investments in science in general and in space in particular. These investments are of enormous value that has already proven itself both in the world and in Israel. We see these activities as an urgent need. We know that such projects are an attraction for returning scientists and we must remember There are 3,500 Israeli scientists abroad, making it possible to attract excellent youth to the field of science."
CEO of Space Communications David Polak: I congratulate all of us on the occasion of joy and a warm and special blessing to the man who came up with the idea of the Israeli satellite Amos, Chairman of Space Communications Company General Meir Amit. And with your permission, I mention your partner in the path of the late Hezi Carmel. Mr. President of the State, in your long-term view, you supported the Amos plan and the Minister of Finance to install a security network for the Amos 1 satellite. "
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For anonymous commenter number 2 - Israel has no ability to launch into geosynchronous orbit, loaded satellites. Of course, it has nothing to do with the weather, as you mentioned in your response.
It's just very expensive. The launch itself from Israel is more complicated due to weather conditions and topography.
Honestly, I don't understand why they are so enthusiastic about the launch. The launcher is not Israeli at all. Israel cannot launch such a thing by itself.