First Sea Launch Mission of 2007

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Sea Launch Prepares for NSS-8 Mission

The Sea Launch press release is reproduced below:

LONG BEACH, Calif., January 15, 2007 –The Sea Launch team is preparing for its first mission of the year on January 25, with the launch of the NSS-8 communications satellite for SES NEW SKIES. Liftoff is planned at the opening of a 37-minute launch window beginning at 3:22 pm Pacific Standard Time (23:22 GMT).

The Odyssey Launch Platform and the Sea Launch Commander are currently sailing to the launch site, at 154 degrees West Longitude on the Equator, to begin launch operations. Upon arrival, the launch team will initiate a 72-hour countdown and ballast the Launch Platform 65 feet, to launch depth, performing final tests on the launch system and the satellite. On launch day, a Zenit-3SL rocket will lift the 5,920 kg (13,051 lb) spacecraft to geosynchronous transfer orbit, on its way to a final orbital location of 57 degrees East Longitude.

The high-power, state-of-the-art NSS-8 satellite is a Boeing 702 spacecraft that carries 56 C-band and 36 Ku-band transponders, designed to replace the existing NSS-703 satellite as the centerpiece of the NEW SKIES’ strategic Indian Ocean contribution to SES’ global communications network. The successful launch of NSS-8 will subsequently also allow for NSS-703 to be re-deployed to the Atlantic Ocean region at 340 degrees East, further boosting the global coverage and connectivity provided by the 40-plus strong fleet of satellites in the SES Group. NSS-8 will support a wide range of functions, including corporate communications, government and military operations, Broadband Internet services and broadcast applications.

NSS-8 will provide coverage to two-thirds of the world’s population, serving countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and Asia. Designed for a 15-year lifespan, the satellite will have 18 kilowatts of total power at the beginning of life on orbit. Sea Launch will carry live coverage of this first mission for SES New Skies via satellite and also streaming video on the Sea Launch website.

About Sea Launch Company
Sea Launch Company, LLC, headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., is the most reliable commercial launch services provider. With the advantage of a launch site on the Equator, the robust Zenit-3SL rocket can lift a heavier 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 and images about the NSS-8 mission, please visit the Sea Launch website at: www.sea-launch.com

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Source: Sea Launch Press Release

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Sea Launch Begins Countdown for NSS-8 Launch

The Sea Launch press release is reproduced below:

LONG BEACH, Calif., January 23, 2007 –The Sea Launch team will initiate a 72-hour countdown at its equatorial launch site today, in preparation for the launch of the NSS-8 communications satellite for SES NEW SKIES on Friday, January 26 (changed from January 25). Liftoff is planned at the opening of a 37-minute window, beginning at 3:22 pm Pacific Standard Time (23:22 GMT).

Launch operations are now underway at the Equator, at 154 degrees West Longitude. The Sea Launch Commander is positioned alongside the Odyssey Launch Platform, with the two vessels periodically connected by a link bridge that facilitates the teams’ foot traffic. A day before liftoff, the Zenit-3SL rocket will be erected on the launch pad for final tests on the launch system and the spacecraft, prior to start of the terminal countdown.

During final preparations for liftoff, the platform will be evacuated, with all personnel positioned on the ship, three miles uprange from the platform. At launch, the rocket will lift the 5,920 kg (13,051 lb) spacecraft to geosynchronous transfer orbit, on its way to a final orbital location of 57 degrees East Longitude.

The high-power, state-of-the-art NSS-8 satellite is a Boeing 702 spacecraft that carries 56 C-band and 36 Ku-band transponders. It is designed to replace the existing NSS-703 satellite as the centerpiece of NEW SKIES’ strategic Indian Ocean contribution to SES’ global communications network. NSS-8 will support a wide range of functions, including corporate communications, government and military networks, Broadband Internet services and broadcast applications, to countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and Asia. Designed for a 15-year lifespan, the satellite will have 18 kilowatts of total power at the beginning of life on orbit.

Sea Launch will carry live coverage of its first mission for SES NEW SKIES via satellite and also streaming video on the Sea Launch website, beginning at 3:05 pm PST (23:05 GMT) on January 26. Transponder coordinates for downlinking this feed will be posted at www.boeing.com/nosearch/sealaunch/broadcast.html. A simultaneous webcast may be viewed at: www.sea-launch.com/current_index_webcast.html.

About Sea Launch Company
Sea Launch Company, LLC, headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., is the most reliable commercial launch services provider. With the advantage of a launch site on the Equator, the robust Zenit-3SL rocket can lift a heavier 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 and images about the NSS-8 mission, please visit the Sea Launch website at: www.sea-launch.com

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Source: Sea Launch Press Release

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Sea Launch update is reproduced below:

Due to off nominal sea-state conditions at the launch site, our Mission Director has rescheduled the launch of the NSS-8 satellite to Sunday, January 28. Both the launch system and the spacecraft remain in excellent condition, ready for launch.

Source: Sea Launch

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Sea Launch update is reproduced below:

Due to off nominal sea-state conditions at the launch site, our Mission Director has rescheduled the launch of the NSS-8 satellite to Monday, January 29. Both the launch system and the spacecraft remain in excellent condition, ready for launch.

Source: Sea Launch

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Sea Launch update is reproduced below:

We are now preparing for our next mission, the launch of the NSS-8 communications satellite, planned for January 29, with liftoff at 3:22pm PST (23:22 GMT). This is our first mission of the year and also our first mission for SES New Skies. The powerful, multi-performance NSS-8 satellite includes broadcasting, video distribution, data collection and Internet capabilities

Source: Sea Launch - Current Launch

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Sea Launch update is reproduced below:

We are now preparing for our next mission, the launch of the NSS-8 communications satellite, planned for January 30, with liftoff at 3:22pm PST (23:22 GMT). This is our first mission of the year and also our first mission for SES New Skies. The powerful, multi-performance NSS-8 satellite includes broadcasting, video distribution, data collection and Internet capabilities.

Source: Sea Launch - Current Launch

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I was watching the live webcast of this launch. It appears that the vehicle exploded on the pad as the count reached zero. I will post more updates when they become available.

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Sea Launch update is reproduced below:

The Sea Launch Zenit-3SL vehicle, carrying the NSS-8 satellite, experienced an anomaly today during launch operations. All personnel are safe and accounted for. Sea Launch will establish a Failure Review Oversight Board to determine the root cause of this anomaly.

Source: Sea Launch - Current Launch

Edited January 31, 2007 by Waspie_Dwarf

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Sea Launch Assesses Status and Plans for Next Steps

The Sea Launch press release is reproduced below:

LONG BEACH, Calif., February 1, 2007 – Following the unsuccessful launch of the NSS-8 spacecraft on January 30, and subsequent safing of all systems, Sea Launch is now in the process of securing the Odyssey Launch Platform and taking initial measures to determine the root cause and implement necessary corrective actions. Applications for all necessary permits and licenses required to proceed with these activities are also in process.

A preliminary assessment of the Odyssey Launch Platform indicates that, while it has sustained limited damage, the integrity and functionality of essential marine, communications and crew support systems remains intact. The vessel is operating on its own power and is currently manned by the full marine crew. This team is performing a comprehensive assessment of all aspects of the vessel, including its structural integrity and sea-worthiness, in anticipation of identifying and planning the next steps. The team on the Sea Launch Commander is in excellent condition and is supporting these activities. The Commander incurred no damage during yesterday’s launch attempt, as it was positioned four miles from the Launch Platform at the time of lift-off.

The Sea Launch partners will be conducting an independent investigation to review relevant data, determine root cause, and develop recommendations for corrective actions. In accordance with established procedures, Sea Launch is establishing a Failure Review Oversight Board (FROB) to review the partners’ findings, conclusions and recommendations. Kirk Pysher, vice president and chief systems engineer for Sea Launch, will chair this board. The main activity of the FROB will commence once the partner-led independent investigation is complete.

"We deeply regret the loss of the NSS-8 satellite, which was designed to be a significant part of the SES NEW SKIES fleet. We are receiving consistent expressions of confidence in our system and our team from our customers and the insurance community," said Rob Peckham, president of Sea Launch. "We have begun to discuss a plan for a Return to Flight.

"The safety of our people is our number one priority. The Sea Launch team is the best in the business and will continue to work diligently to understand the anomaly, identify the root cause and determine a corrective course of action. As we move forward, we are maintaining a positive, progressive mind-set and a dedication to excellence."

Sea Launch is an international launch service provider, based in Long Beach, Calif. Using a floating platform, one of two ocean-going vessels, Sea Launch lifts its Zenit-3SL rocket from a position on the equator at 154 degrees West Longitude. The Sea Launch partners include Boeing, RSC Energia, Aker ASA and SDO Yuzhnoye/PO Yuzhmash. For more information, please visit the Sea Launch web site at: www.sea-launch.com. We will continue to post updates on this site, as available.

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Source: Sea Launch Press Release

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The Odyssey Launch Platform, departing the launch site at the Equator on February 3, under it's own power and crew.
Credit: Sea Launch

Source: Sea Launch

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Odyssey Launch Platform en route to Home Port

The Sea Launch press release is reproduced below:

LONG BEACH, Calif., February 8, 2007 – The Odyssey Launch Platform and the Sea Launch Commander have left the launch site at the Equator and are returning to Sea Launch Home Port in Long Beach, California, following the unsuccessful launch on January 30.

In the process of verifying her seaworthiness, the marine crew has confirmed that the Odyssey’s main structures are in good condition and marine systems are operational. Like the Sea Launch Commander, the Odyssey is currently in transit to Home Port under her own power and at normal speed, and is expected to make a timely return.

Sea Launch is developing the necessary plans and procedures to fully assess the damage to the Launch Platform and implement the necessary repairs required for re-certification to ensure a safe, thorough and efficient return to reliable service. While the final assessment will be completed when the Launch Platform arrives at Home Port, the most notable findings at this time are the loss of the flame deflector, located below the launch pad, and the position of the aft doors of the hangar, which are off of their supports. This hangar houses and protects the transporter-erector support structure during launch operations. Preliminary assessments indicate that other Launch Support Equipment is in good condition.

"We look forward to having our people home," said Rob Peckham, president of Sea Launch. "Our team has witnessed first hand the robustness of the Launch Platform, which was designed and built to withstand a full range of conditions, including off-nominal scenarios. The inherent strength of this vessel, combined with the safe and professional response of the launch team, characterizes a system that is capable of operating in the most demanding of conditions, for the purpose of serving our customers."

Sea Launch is an international launch service provider, based in Long Beach, Calif. Using a floating platform, one of two ocean-going vessels, Sea Launch lifts its Zenit-3SL rocket from a position on the equator at 154 degrees West Longitude. The Sea Launch partners include Boeing, RSC Energia, Aker ASA and SDO Yuzhnoye/PO Yuzhmash. For more information, please visit the Sea Launch web site at: www.sea-launch.com. We will continue to post updates on this site, as available.

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Source: Sea Launch Press Release

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Progress on the Sea Launch Investigation and Recovery

The Sea Launch press release is reproduced below:

LONG BEACH, Calif., April 3, 2007 – Sea Launch reports significant progress in the investigation into the cause of the unsuccessful launch on January 30 and repairs to the Odyssey Launch Platform.

The national space agencies of Russia and Ukraine formed an interagency commission in early February to investigate the cause of the incident and determine the necessary corrective actions. The commission recently concluded its investigation and issued a summary statement to Sea Launch, indicating an anomaly within the first stage engine caused early termination of thrust, resulting in the loss of the mission.

The Sea Launch Failure Review Oversight Board (FROB) is meeting this week in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine, with representatives of the interagency commission and Sea Launch partner companies, to evaluate the commission’s findings regarding the root cause of the anomaly and recommended corrective actions. The FROB is comprised of Sea Launch technical leadership and U.S. aerospace industry experts as well as customer representatives. Upon completion of the meetings, the FROB Chairman will determine whether to close the FROB and begin implementation of the recommended corrective actions or to keep the FROB open for further investigation and evaluation.

Concurrently, the Sea Launch team has completed its damage assessment phase of the Odyssey Launch Platform, including repair and recertification requirements and scheduling of repair activities. The team is now engaged in a fully integrated recovery process to restore all damaged systems back to their original operating capability. The most significant of these efforts will be the construction and installation of a new gas deflector located beneath the launch pad, replacement of heat-affected cable and wiring, replacement of the launch support umbilical interface to the launch vehicle, and painting of the external surfaces.

The one-of-a-kind gas deflector - a 250-metric ton steel structure that directs the engine exhaust away from the platform and controls the acoustic environment - is being built in St. Petersburg, Russia, by the original subcontractor. The Design Bureau of Transport Machinery (DBTM), Sea Launch’s Russian contractor for much of the launch support equipment, is managing this effort. Upon completion of the fabrication of the deflector, DBTM will ship the structure to Sea Launch Home Port for installation on the Launch Platform. Additional heavy industrial repair work and painting will be performed at a shipyard on the West Coast of North America.

Based on current progress, Sea Launch anticipates the FROB activity will be completed by June, followed by implementation of the necessary corrective actions leading to return to flight. The Launch Platform repair and recertification operations are expected to be completed in September. The Sea Launch partners – Boeing, RSC Energia, SDO Yuzhnoye/PO Yuzhmash and Aker ASA – remain fully committed to working together to resolve this anomaly and recover from its consequences for a Return to Flight in October.

About Sea Launch Company
Sea Launch Company, LLC, based in Long Beach, Calif., provides heavy lift launch services to commercial satellite customers. With the advantage of a launch site on the Equator, the Zenit-3SL rocket can lift a heavier spacecraft mass or provide longer life on orbit, offering best value plus schedule assurance. For additional information, please visit us at: www.sea-launch.com.

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Source: Sea Launch Press Release

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Sea Launch Concludes Investigation of Launch Failure

The Sea Launch press release is reproduced below:

LONG BEACH, Calif., June 11, 2007 –The Sea Launch Failure Review Oversight Board (FROB) has concluded its review of the findings of an interagency CIS Joint Commission, which has been investigating the cause of the unsuccessful launch of January 30, 2007. All systems have been cleared for operations, pending completion and tests of all repairs on the Launch Platform.

The commission concluded on March 12 that the failure initiated in the liquid oxygen (LOx) turbopump section of the RD-171M main engine. Following the initial FROB meeting in April with the commission, the Sea Launch partners performed internal inspections of already manufactured and tested RD-171M engines, with the objective of confirming the LOx feed system and pumps were free of debris.

The FROB met again with the commission, May 24-June 1, to review results of the engine inspections and further findings. FROB Chairman Kirk Pysher, vice president and chief systems engineer for Sea Launch, reported that members of the FROB concurred with the commission findings, conclusions and recommendations. "The FROB resolved that the CIS team, led by Energomash experts, manufacturers of the RD-171M main engine, presented sufficient facts and data to substantiate and justify the Joint Commission's findings and conclusions," said Pysher. "The FROB concurs that the anomaly initiated within the RD-171M LOx turbopump as the result of a metallic object becoming lodged between the pump's moving and stationary components. This object ignited and burned as a result of friction-induced heat. The combustion of the object set off a string of events that led to the destruction of the LOx pump, RD-171M engine and ultimately the Zenit 3SL."

The commission performed a thorough review of operations on the RD-171M engine, following the standard full duration acceptance test that each manufactured engine undergoes at the Energomash test stand. This review included the RD-171M return-to-flight engine currently installed on a Zenit-2 vehicle awaiting launch from the Baikonur Space Center this summer. The commission found two operations with the potential for introduction of foreign object debris (FOD) into the LOx feed system. The FROB confirmed that the commission identified the necessary corrective actions to preclude these operations as potential sources for FOD introduction in the future.

"The commission has conducted an extensive and thorough review of the processes, hardware and systems related to the engine and its supporting systems," said Rob Peckham, president and general manager of Sea Launch. "The Sea Launch FROB completed its work with no constraints on continuing hardware production. We are now continuing to move forward to our launch operations in October. I am confident that we have not only identified the cause of the launch failure in January, but that we are also doing everything possible to ensure that this incident will never happen again. I am extremely proud of the professionalism and diligence demonstrated by everyone involved throughout this process and look forward to regaining our launch tempo."

In parallel with the investigation and corrective actiFrom Subject Received
Manipe F1 Newsletter Manipe F1 Newsletter - F1 moves on to the USA Wed 13/06/2007 12:02 ons, the Sea Launch team is proceeding on schedule with repairs and re-certification of the Odyssey Launch Platform and associated launch support equipment. The Launch Platform is currently en route to a shipyard in British Columbia, where a team of specialists will be performing heavy industrial repair work and painting over the next several weeks. Sea Launch expects to complete these activities and conduct marine tests by the end of the summer. Progress of "Mission Recovery" is posted on the Sea Launch website at www.sea-launch.com.

About Sea Launch Company
Sea Launch Company, LLC, based in Long Beach, Calif., provides heavy lift launch services to commercial satellite customers. With the advantage of a launch site on the Equator, the Zenit-3SL rocket can lift a heavier spacecraft mass or provide longer life on orbit, offering best value plus schedule assurance.

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Source: Sea Launch Press Release