Loral’s Telstar 18 communications satellite, Odyssey, Sea Launch set course for equator
The Odyssey Launch Platform and the Sea Launch Commander departed Sea Launch Home Port
this week in preparation for the launch of Loral’s Telstar 18 communications satellite, to occur
during a two-hour launch window that will open at 8:59 p.m. Pacific time on June 28.
The Sea Launch vessels are on their way from Long Beach, Calif., to the equatorial launch site at
154 degrees west longitude, approximately 1,400 miles south of Hawaii. Upon arrival, the launch
team will initiate a 72-hour countdown, ballast the Launch Platform to launch depth for stability, and
perform final tests on the launch system and its satellite. In Sea Launch’s third launch this year of a
Space Systems/Loral spacecraft, a Zenit-3SL vehicle will lift the 4,640-kilogram (10,229-pound)
spacecraft to geosynchronous transfer orbit, on its way to a final orbital position at 138 degrees east
longitude.
Built by SS/L and operated by Loral Skynet – both subsidiaries of Loral Space & Communications –
the high-powered 1300-model spacecraft will carry 54 active transponders, 16 Ku-band
transponders and 38 C-band transponders. The Ku-band will reach China, India, Taiwan, Hong
Kong and Korea, while the C-band capacity will cover Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific
islands and Hawaii.
The satellite will host cable programming, direct-to-home broadcasting, Internet, VSAT and
IP-based two-way services within Asia while providing an inter-connect to the United States.
Designed for a 13-year lifespan, Sea Launch’s direct insertion into equatorial orbit is expected to
yield several additional years of service for the spacecraft.
Sea Launch Company, LLC, headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and marketed through Boeing
Launch Services, is the world’s most reliable commercial launch services provider. With the
advantage of the only launch site on the equator, the proven Zenit-3SL rocket can lift a heavier
spacecraft mass or provide longer life on orbit, offering best value plus schedule assurance. Sea
Launch offers the most direct and cost-effective route to geostationary orbit. For additional
information, visit the Sea Launch Web site at www.sea-launch.com. |
