[Satellite TODAY 01-30-13] SpaceX and Spacecom have reached an agreement to launch Spacecom’s Amos-6 satellite on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Falcon 9 will insert the communications satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO).

            The Amos-6 mission is targeting a 2015 launch from Cape Canaveral, Fla.

The Amos-6 agreement, announced Jan. 29, continues a string of new SpaceX contracts after the company closed out 2012 with 14 new launch deals.

            “This last year has been one of great success and tremendous growth,” SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell said in a statement. “Spacecom was one of our earliest supporters—SpaceX is proud to be their partner and we look forward to launching their AMOS-6 satellite.”

            The Amos-6 satellite, to be built by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), aims to provide communication services including direct satellite home Internet for Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Amos-6 will replace Amos-2, which is expected to end its service in 2016.

            “Amos-6 will be larger and stronger than Amos-2 and Amos-3 combined, and signals a new age for Spacecom,” David Pollack, President and CEO of Spacecom, said in a statement. “As we establish our position as a global satellite operator providing more services and capacity, AMOS-6 will be a key element of our business strategy and future.”