Israel launches Dror 1 communications satellite from Florida

Israel has launched a new national communications satellite on board a SpaceX rocket from the United States. The Dror 1 satellite was sent into orbit on a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral in Florida, according to Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the foreign ministry.

The ministry stated that this $200 million satellite, dubbed a 'smartphone in space,' will support Israel's strategic and civilian communications for 15 years. Video footage of the launch showed the reusable, two-stage rocket taking off into the night sky. SpaceX confirmed the launch occurred at 1.04 am in Florida (6.04 am Irish time).

Israel's first national communications satellite, Dror 1, was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Built by Israel Aerospace Industries, this $200 million satellite is designed to enhance Israel's strategic and civilian communications for the next 15 years. The project was described as a historic achievement for Israeli space technology by IAI, which highlighted Dror 1 as the most advanced communication satellite ever developed in Israel.

In September 2016, an unmanned Falcon 9 rocket explosion during a test in Florida resulted in the destruction of Israel's Amos-6 communications satellite, estimated to cost between $200 and 300 million.