Israel announced the successful launch of a new national communications satellite aboard a SpaceX rocket from the United States.
The Dror 1 satellite was sent into orbit on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, as reported by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the foreign ministry.
“This $200 million ‘smartphone in space’ will enhance Israel’s strategic and civilian communications for the next 15 years,” the ministry stated on X.
Accompanying video footage displayed the reusable, two-stage rocket ascending into the night sky. SpaceX confirmed the launch occurred at 1:04 AM in Florida (6:04 AM Irish time).
Lift-off!
Israel’s inaugural national communications satellite, Dror 1, has launched aboard a @SpaceX Falcon 9.
Engineered by Israel Aerospace Industries, this $200M “smartphone in space” will serve Israel’s strategic and civilian communication for 15 years.
A significant advancement for… pic.twitter.com/RJQzSlUhHI
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) July 13, 2025
In September 2016, an uncrewed Falcon 9 rocket exploded during a test in Florida, resulting in the destruction of Israel’s Amos-6 communications satellite, estimated to have cost between $200 and $300 million.
