Space launches under the “Sea Launch” program to be renewed in 2014

“Sea Launch” Board of Directors has approved the draft program for launching activities in 2014, which provides for 4 launches of “Zenith” carrier rockets from the equatorial zone in the Pacific Ocean.  

According to the Head of Rocket and Space Corporation “Energia” Vitaliy Lopota, the first launch is supposed to be carried out in the period from April 1 till June 30, 2014 - this will the launch of Eutelsat 3B communications satellite.

According to earlier information, on February 1, during the launch of “Zenith-3SL” rocket with the Intelsat 27 communications satellite under the “Sea Launch” program, an accident occurred and the rocket fell to the Pacific Ocean. After that program launches were suspended.

The “Sea Launch” project is the first purely commercial international project for development and operation of the sea-based rocket and space complex. The project ensures the provision of commercially-based services on the launch of space vehicles.

“Sea Launch” International Company has been established for implementation of this project. The list of its founders includes the American “Boeing Commercial Space Company” (40% of the capital), Russian Rocket and Space Corporation “Energia” (25 %), Norwegian “Kvaerner Maritime a.s.” (20 %), and Ukrainian “Yuzhny Machine-Building Plant” and “Yuzhnoye Design Bureau” (15 %).

English translation by BSN