[Satellite TODAY 01-29-10] Israeli satellite operator Spacecom has purchased exclusivity on the AsiaSat 2 satellite from AsiaSat, the operator announced Jan. 28.
   As a result, the C- and Ku-band satellite, formerly located at the 100.5 degrees East orbital slot, was renamed Amos-5i and relocated to 17 degrees East to provide a variety of services over the African continent until Amos-5 becomes available in mid-2011.
   Spacecom also has contracted AsiaSat to provide satellite operation and telemetry, tracking and control for Amos-5i.
   Separately, Spacecom and Israel Aerospace Industries signed a contract with SpaceX to launch a communication satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket as early as December 2012. Spacecom will use the satellite to provide broadcasting and communications services to operators and broadcasters.
    Spacecom said the SpaceX deal supports company plans to launch at least four additional satellites in the coming years to multiple orbital positions. “In closing this deal, SpaceX now has twenty three Falcon 9 flights on contract representing a variety of commercial and government customers, for both LEO and GTO missions," SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell said in a statement.

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