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Following tradition, Sea Launch family and friends assemble on the pier to bid farewell to the Sea Launch Commander and its seaworthy team. Jim Maser, president and general manager, greets the crowd with opening remarks. |
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Ken Hill, vice president Launch Operations, addresses the crowd and takes a customary vote of launch readiness. |
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Bill Hayes, mission manager for Space Systems/Loral, dons a sailor's cap and reports the spacecraft is ready for launch. Ivan Klychnik translates at his side. |
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Sea Launch friends and colleagues pose for the camera before boarding the ship - (L-R) Leonid Gribachev - Yuzhnoye, Mission Director Bill Rujevcan - Boeing, and Alexander Naumenko - Yuzhmash. |
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With a unanimous READY! response from all segments of the Sea Launch team, passengers and crew board the Sea Launch Commander and depart for the launch site, nearly 3,000 miles southwest of Sea Launch Home Port, in Long Beach, Calif. |
