Israel Aerospace Industries successfully launched the Dror 1 national communications satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, marking a significant milestone in Israel's space capabilities and technological independence.

The 4.5-tonne satellite lifted off at 8:03am local time and separated from its launcher approximately 40 minutes after launch, beginning its independent orbit around Earth every 90 minutes. Dror 1 will reach its final geostationary orbit 36,000 kilometres above the equator within two weeks following a series of manoeuvres.

Designed to meet Israel's national communication needs for the coming years, Dror 1 represents the most advanced communications satellite ever built in Israel, featuring the largest transmission and reception antennas developed domestically. The satellite incorporates advanced Israeli technology and will provide flexible communication coverage for various government systems.

The project stems from decisions made following the destruction of the Amos 6 satellite in a SpaceX explosion in September 2016, which prompted the Israeli government to establish an independent national communications capability. Israel invested approximately $200mn in developing Dror 1 since 2018 through collaboration between IAI, the Israel Space Agency and the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.

Dror 1 replaces the Amos satellite series and will serve Israeli communications companies whilst fulfilling security-related missions. The satellite will operate from a fixed point in space, providing continuous communication services for at least 15 years.

IAI President Boaz Levy said Dror 1 was designed to preserve Israel's national strategic capability whilst providing essential satellite communications for years to come. Innovation, Science and Technology Minister Gila Gamliel described the launch as a historic milestone in achieving complete communications independence.

The Dror series is expected to continue with additional satellites to ensure Israel's long-term communications sovereignty. The satellite features blue-and-white technology developed entirely in Israel, showcasing the country's advanced space engineering capabilities and maintaining technological independence in this strategically vital sector.