Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has signed a contract with Space Communication Ltd. (Spacecom) to develop and manufacture the Amos-4 satellite, IAI announced July 10.

Amos-4 will carry Ka- and Ku-band transponders and allow Spacecom to expand its coverage area to include Asia. The contract is valued at about $365 million, and on-orbit delivery is slated to take place in the 2012 third quarter.

IAI holds a 20 percent interest in Spacecom. Other major shareholders are Eurocom, General Satellite Services Co. and Mer Services Group.