From the Liveblog of
Monday, August 11, 2025
Israel Aerospace Industries announces successful deployment of Dror-1 communications satellite
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleStav Levaton is a military reporter for The Times of Israel
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announces that its national communications satellite, dubbed Dror-1, has reached its designated altitude of 36,000 kilometers (22,000 miles) and commenced its operational mission.
Following its July 13 launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral, the satellite transmitted telemetry confirming the successful deployment of solar panels and communication antennas, as well as activation of its main engine, which positioned it into its designated orbit.
Boaz Levy, IAI’s president and CEO, describes the milestone as an important step in advancing Israel’s capabilities in space, noting that Dror-1 is designed to provide “flexible, secure and reliable” communications over its operational lifespan.
“IAI is proud to lead the nation’s space endeavors and provide it with sovereign capabilities in space,” Levy says. “This next generation of communications satellites, exemplified by Dror-1, embodies engineering excellence and foresight, delivering advanced solutions to meet Israel’s diverse and evolving needs.”
Israeli Aerospace Industries’ Dror-1 communications satellite’s deploys, in video footage released on August 11, 2025. (Israel Aerospace Industries)
The Times of Israel Community.