MOSCOW. April 20 (Interfax-AVN) - The Odyssey floating platform and the command post vessel have left the base for the site of another launch under the Sea Launch program slated for April 26.
"It will be the second launch this year. The Zenit-3SL carrier rocket is expected to launch the Spaceway F1 satellite into orbit in the interests of the DIRECTV, Inc. Company. The launch is slated for April 26 for a 30-minute interval starting 0731 GMT," the Sea Launch Company's press-service told Interfax-Military News Agency on Wednesday.
According to the press-service, both ships are currently heading towards the launch site, situated in the Pacific Ocean at 154 degrees western longitude. The countdown of 72 hours will start as soon as the ships reach their destination. In the course of the countdown the floating platform will take the necessary water ballast aboard, while the Sea Launch crew will inspect the carrier rocket launch systems.
"The Zenit-3SL carrier rocket is to launch a 6.080-kg satellite into the geosynchronized transition orbit to 102.8 degrees western longitude. The Spaceway F1 satellite is manufactured by the Boeing Company in California and is based on the 702nd model. The satellite service life amounts to 12 years. It features a controlled aerial, capable of changing its position at discretion of the owner. Boeing was the first to manufacture such a system," the press-service said.
The upcoming launch will be the third launch, ordered by DIRECTV, while the Spaceway F1 satellite is one of the four K-band satellites, produced by Boeing. The four satellites are expected to be launched into the orbit within the next three years. The satellite group will allow DIRECTV to provide its customers with access to 1,500 high-quality TV channels.
Sea Launch is headquartered in Long Beach, California. It is the most reliable satellite launch provider via the Boeing Launch Services Company. Employment of the reliable Zenit carrier rocket, convenient launch sites, situated on the equator, and adherence to the launch timeframe allow Sea Launch to launch super-heavy satellites into orbit.