THE HUNGARIAN Government has approved the purchase of an Israeli-made communications satellite, to be launched in 1998.
The approval follows the setting up in 1993 of a joint company, between Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) and Hungarian Communications Company, Antenna Hungaria to build, launch and operate a communications satellite.
The satellite will be based on the Israeli AMOS spacecraft, which is due to be launched by an Ariane booster in early 1996. The two satellites are planned to serve as back-ups to each other.
The AMOS will serve Hungary until the second satellite is in operation.
The Hungarian Government is to purchase capacity from two of the eight transponders, with excess capability being sold to customers based in central Europe and the Middle East. IAI and Antenna Hungaria are now seeking partners to finance the programme.
Source: Flight International