Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Sunday, July 13, 2025
From the Liveblog of
Sunday, July 13, 2025
Israel’s most-advanced communications satellite successfully launched into space
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleEmanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
Dror-1 communications satellite in an undated image (IAI)
Israel’s Dror-1 communications satellite has been successfully launched into space from Cape Canaveral.
The Israel Aerospace Industries satellite was taken into orbit on a SpaceX Falcon 9 two-stage rocket. The first stage of the booster, which has now been used 13 times, landed back on earth on a platform at sea.
The second stage is currently pushing the satellite into space, and in a short while, the payload canopy will open.
The satellite will then open up its solar panels and dishes, and begin to maneuver into its permanent position. It should take some two weeks to reach the permanent position, after several orbits around earth.
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
The Times of Israel Community.
JOIN THE TOI COMMUNITY
Already a member? Log in here