Israel’s Dror 1 Satellite Reaches Orbit, Begins Operations

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced that its national communications satellite, Dror 1, has successfully reached its designated geostationary orbit approximately 36,000 kilometers from Earth and commenced its operational mission. The satellite, launched on July 13, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, transmitted initial telemetry confirming the deployment of solar panels, communication antennas, and activation of its main engine responsible for precise orbital positioning. Boaz Levy, CEO of IAI, highlighted this achievement as a significant milestone in Israel's journey toward space independence and emphasized the satellite's advanced engineering, designed to provide flexible, secure, and reliable communications for years to come. The mission reflects Israel’s strategic commitment to developing sovereign capabilities in space, with IAI leading the nation's space endeavors since the 1980s. Throughout its journey to orbit, the satellite underwent rigorous in-space checks and maneuvers controlled from IAI’s command center to ensure successful deployment and functionality. Dror 1 represents one of the most advanced communications satellites globally, embodying innovation to meet Israel's diverse and evolving communication needs.