Sea Launch is currently preparing to launch the Telstar 14/Estrela do Sul 1 communications satellite for Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a subsidiary of Loral Space and Communications, in January. This mission will be the first of three SS/L 1300 series spacecraft scheduled for launch in 2004. Following this string of missions, Sea Launch will continue launching its 2004 manifest, which currently consists of three additional missions.

File image of Sea Launch rocket lifting off. Photo: Sea Launch

The Telstar 14/Estrela do Sul 1 launch contract, signed in December 2002, directs the Sea Launch team to deliver the spacecraft to a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) to support a final orbital position at 63 degrees West Longitude. The 4,694 kg (10,350 lb) spacecraft will carry 41 Ku-band transponders with five unique and interconnecting coverage beams. Fifty percent of the satellite's power will be dedicated to Brazil, providing a dedicated Ku-band solution for the Brazilian marketplace. The satellite's other beams will cover the Americas and the North Atlantic Ocean, where Connexion by Boeing will use the satellite to provide its Internet-to-aircraft service.

Upon completion of this mission in January, Sea Launch will immediately initiate operations of its recently announced contract to launch the SS/L-built DIRECTV-7S satellite. This will be Sea Launch's second mission for DIRECTV, having successfully completed its maiden commercial mission in October 1999 with the DIRECTV 1-R broadcast satellite. DIRECTV-7S will provide television customers in the United States with local channel service to additional markets and new services. This 5,500 kg SS/L spacecraft will operate with 39 spot-beam transponders for regional broadcasting and seven super-high power beam transponders for national coverage from 119 degrees West Longitude. DIRECTV-7S is also designed to operate from the 101 degrees West orbital slot with 44 spot beam transponders for regional coverage, with six high power and four medium power transponders for national coverage.

In the spring, Sea Launch will lift Loral's Telstar-18 satellite to GTO, on its way to a final orbital position at 138 degrees East Longitude. The 4,640 kg SS/L spacecraft, which will be used by Loral and APT Satellite, will carry a total of 54 active transponders - 16 Ku-band transponders and 38 C-band transponders.

Space Systems/Loral is a premier designer, manufacturer and integrator of powerful satellites and satellite systems and also provides a range of related services that include mission control operations and procurement of launch services. Based in Palo Alto, Calif., the company has an international base of commercial and governmental customers whose applications include broadband digital communications, direct-to-home broadcast, defense communications, environmental monitoring and air traffic control.

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 world's only launch site on the Equator, the reliable Zenit-3SL rocket can lift a heavier spacecraft mass or provide longer life on orbit, offering best value plus schedule assurance.