Israel's Space Communication Ltd plans a satellite launch next weekend it hopes will mark a rebound from a couple of major setbacks in recent years.
Amos-17, which will provide communication services to Africa, had a total budget including manufacturing, insurance and launch of about $250 million, and will join three others Spacecom operates.
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It was manufactured by Boeing Co and has an expected lifespan of about 20 years.
Spacecom hopes a successful launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Aug. 3 will end a rough patch. In 2015, the company lost contact with its Amos-5 satellite and a year later Amos-6 was destroyed days before its scheduled launch when a SpaceX rocket exploded.
"We learned lessons from those catastrophes," CEO David Pollack told Reuters following a news conference on Sunday. For example, he said Amos-17 would not be combined with the launcher before the latter is fully tested.
"What happened with Amos-5 and Amos-6 was a setback for the company. So we know what to do. We believe we know how to grow. And it's just a wonderful opportunity that comes with Amos-17, which is the most advanced satellite for the continent most in need," Pollack said.
Amos-17 is scheduled to launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and will orbit 36,000 kilometers (22,370 miles) above central Africa, providing TV, internet and cellular services as well as services to governments.
The company said it has a sales backlog of $58 million for communication services to Africa and for other services.
Pollack said he expects to recoup Amos-17's costs in line with industry standards, which is about six to seven years.
Spacecom shares remain well below their peak of 78.30 shekels ($22.21) set in June 2010 but have rallied in recent weeks and closed at 11.60 shekels ($3.29) on Friday.
