Orbital Sciences built the Intelsat 15 spacecraft to provide video and data services for Intelsat customers operating in the Middle East and Indian Ocean regions as well as in Russia. Orbital’s STAR-2.4 spacecraft platform carries a Ku-band payload that will produce 4.6 kW of DC power and features advanced antennas, including two 2.3 meter dual-grid deployable antennas as well as a 1.4 meter dual-grid deck-mounted antenna. The Intelsat 15 satellite is expected to have a useful life on orbit of at least 17 years and is part of Intelsat's eleven-satellite launch campaign, the largest in Intelsat’s history. Positioned at 85 degrees East Longitude, Intelsat 15 replaces the Intelsat 709 spacecraft.

Intelsat is the leading provider of fixed satellite services worldwide. For 45 years, Intelsat has been delivering information and entertainment for many of the world’s leading media and network companies, multinational corporations, Internet service providers and governmental agencies. Intelsat’s satellite, teleport and fiber infrastructure is unmatched in the industry, setting the standard for transmissions of video, data and voice services. From the globalization of content and the proliferation of HD, to the expansion of cellular networks and broadband access, with Intelsat, advanced communications anywhere in the world are closer, by far.

Orbital is the world's leading supplier of small geosynchronous (GEO) satellites designed to provide direct-to-home TV broadcasting, cable program distribution, business data network capacity, regional mobile communications and similar services.

From our launch site at the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan, a Zenit-3SLB launch vehicle will lift the 2,484 kg (5,477 lbs) Intelsat 15 communications satellite to geosynchronous transfer orbit, on its way to a final orbital position of 85 degrees East Longitude. The first stage will operate for two-and-a-half minutes and then separate, followed by the jettison of the payload fairing three minutes later. After a six-minute burn, the second stage will separate from the Block DM-SLB upper stage. The Block DM will then begin the first of three burns, taking the spacecraft to a stable parking orbit. After a brief second burn, the upper stage will coast with the spacecraft for five hours, after which a third burn will inject the spacecraft into a geosynchronous transit orbit. Eleven minutes later, the spacecraft will separate from the upper stage. Following spacecraft separation, ground stations in Hartebeesthoek, South Africa, and Perth, Australia, will be tracking the satellite to acquire its first signals from orbit.

Nov. 30 - Following a launch scrub yesterday at L-3:14:00, the Land Launch team plans for another launch attempt. A formal GO to proceed is expected at a Launch Readiness Review at L-6.30:00 in today's countdown.

Nov. 29 - All systems are ready for today's launch of the Intelsat 15 satellite. The Zenit-3SLB rocket is vertical on the pad at Site 45, awaiting ignition at 21:00 GMT. Prelaunch operations continue on schedule.

Nov. 27 - The Land Launch team successfully transfers the Zenit-3SLB rocket to the launch area and erects it to a vertical position on the launch pad. All systems are nominal as operations progress at Site 45.

       
Photos: Craig Peterson, Intelsat 15 Mission Manager

Nov. 20 - The Block DM-3SLB upper stage and the Intelsat 15 satellite are transported to Site 42 for integration with the 2-stage Zenit booster.

        
Photos: Craig Peterson, Intelsat 15 Mission Manager

Nov. 18 - The Intelsat 15 satellite, now mated with the Block DM- 3SLB upper stage, is encapsulated in a payload fairing. Final tests are completed on the 2-stage Zenit. Preparations begin for transferring the upper stage and satellite to Site 42 for integration with the Zenit. All pre-launch operations continue on schedule.

Nov. 16 - Following its integration with the spacecraft adapter and separation system at Area 31, the Intelsat 15 satellite is then mated with the Block DM-SLB upper stage. Electrical tests follow this integration process. In parallel with these activities on the upper composite assembly, control system electrical testing is underway on the first two stages of the Zenit booster in the integration and test facility.

Nov. 13 - Final tests on the satellite and the Block DM-SLB upper stage are completed. Fueling of both sections are completed and they are transferred to the integration and test facility in preparation for mating. Tests on the Zenit propulsion system are completed.

Nov. 10 - The satellite is fueled and preparations for encapsulating in the payload fairing are underway. Integrated tests of the first two stages of the Zenit are completed. The Block DM-3SLB upper stage is readied for fueling.

Nov. 2 - Vehicle assembly on the Zenit-3SLB rocket is underway in support of the Intelsat 15 launch. The first and second stages are mated while the upper stage, the Block DM-3SLB, undergoes standalone tests. In the Payload Processing Facility, tests on the satellite continue on schedule. Upon completion of these tests, the satellite is transferred to the spacecraft fueling facility.

Oct. 28  -  Operations begin in the Payload Processing Facility, where the Intelsat-15 satellite is transferred  from the spacecraft container to the clean room for stand-alone testing. Please visit the following site for additional coverage of these activities: http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7976

Oct. 27 - The Intelsat 15 communications satellite arrives on an Antonov-124 cargo plane at the Baikonur Space Center with representatives from Sea Launch, Intelsat and Orbital Sciences on hand to receive the spacecraft and its associated support equipment. Following customs clearance, the satellite and equipment are loaded onto a transport platform and delivered to the clean room of the Payload Processing Facility at Site 31. Mission operations are now underway. Please visit the following site for additional coverage of satellite arrival: http://www.federalspace.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=7954

Photos: Craig Peterson, Intelsat 15 Mission Manager