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 are the long-term benefits and drawbacks of relying on geostationary satellites for communication?
    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?

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