Israel’s Most Advanced Communications Satellite, Dror-1 Launched

On July 13, 2025, Israel launched its most advanced communications satellite named Dror-1 into space using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, USA. The satellite was developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and is expected to support the country’s communication needs for the next 15 years. This launch is a significant achievement in Israel’s space technology efforts and highlights the growing role of space infrastructure in national communication systems.

Background and Development

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Israel’s top aerospace and defense company, has been leading the country’s space program since the launch of Ofek-1 in 1988. The Dror-1 project is the latest in a long line of achievements, designed to ensure Israel’s self-reliance in satellite communication.

Dror-1 was launched on July 13, 2025, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket built by SpaceX, from Cape Canaveral, USA. The launch represents a strong partnership between Israel’s national space industry and one of the world’s leading private space companies.

Aim and Objective

The primary aim of Dror-1 is to serve as Israel’s national communications satellite for the next 15 years. Its goal is to provide secure and efficient communication services for military, government, and civilian use. The satellite ensures Israel’s strategic independence in space-based communications and reduces reliance on foreign service providers.

Key Features of Dror-1

Dror-1 weighs 4.5 tonnes and measures 17.8 meters when its solar panels are fully extended. It has two large antennas, each 2.8 meters wide, making them the largest ever used in an Israeli satellite. These features allow Dror-1 to send and receive high volumes of data with wide coverage.

The satellite will orbit the Earth at a geostationary altitude of around 36,000 kilometers, reaching its fixed position in about two weeks after launch. Once in position, it will undergo several functional tests before starting its operations.

Recent Developments and Launch Details

The Falcon 9 rocket, a two-stage launch vehicle, successfully delivered the satellite into orbit. The first stage of the rocket landed back safely on the autonomous drone ship.  The second stage carried the satellite further into space and deployed it.

IAI confirmed that the initial signals from Dror-1 were successful, showing the satellite is working properly. In the coming weeks, IAI engineers will complete all performance tests before starting the satellite’s full-time mission.

Significance and Impact

According to Boaz Levy, CEO of IAI, Dror-1 is “the most advanced communications satellite ever built in Israel.” It shows the country’s capability to design, develop, and deploy space assets that support both national security and development goals.

For India and the world, this launch showcases how space technology is rapidly evolving. It also highlights the role of private players like SpaceX in supporting national space programs of other countries. It can also be viewed as a model for countries like India which are expanding their space diplomacy and satellite partnerships.