TECHNOLOGY

A New Space Adventure: Israel's Satellite Takes Flight

Cape Canaveral, Fla, USAFri Jul 11 2025

Launch Details:

  • Date: Early hours of July 13
  • Time: 12:31 a.m.
  • Location: Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral, Florida
  • Mission Name: Commercial GTO 1

Satellite Information:

  • Name: Dror-1
  • Builder: Israel Aerospace Industries
  • Orbit: Geostationary
  • Purpose: Provide communication services for Israel
  • Duration: 15 years
  • Technology: Mostly made in Israel

Rocket Details:

  • Booster Landing: SpaceX drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean
  • Sonic Boom: None expected in Florida
  • Mission Count:
  • SpaceX's 519th mission overall
  • 85th mission this year
  • 503rd mission for the Falcon 9 rocket

Significance:

  • Major step for Israel's communication needs
  • Demonstrates the role of space technology in meeting national goals
  • Highlights Israel's growing capabilities in space
  • Advances the use of satellites for communication

questions

    What happens if the satellite gets stuck in orbit and starts playing Israeli techno music?
    How does the use of a drone ship for booster landing compare to other landing methods in terms of cost and efficiency?
    Is the geostationary transfer orbit a cover for a more secretive mission?

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