Alcatel Alenia Space won a contract from Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) to supply the Amos-3 satellite’s communication payload, as well as a telecommand and ranging system, Alcatel Alenia announced Sept. 29.

Amos-3, which IAI is building for Israeli operator Space-Communication Ltd. (Spacecom), will replace the Amos-1 satellite launched in 1996 and allow Spacecom to expand its range of Ku-band services and initiate Ka-band service covering the Middle East, Europe, Africa and parts of the Americas. The spacecraft is scheduled to be launched in 2007.

Amos-3 is the first commercial contract won by Alcatel in 2005, but the first major award for the newly created Alcatel Alenia. The company combines the operations of Alenia Spazio and Alcatel Space. Alcatel holds a two-thirds stake in the company, while Finmecannica holds the rest.