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With the Zenit-3SL rocket fully integrated and mated with the Payload Unit, the Sea Launch Commander is positioned at the bow of the Odyssey Launch Platform alongside the Sea Launch pier. The rocket is rolled out onto the ship's stern ramp. Here, the Sea Launch team - Americans, Russians, Ukrainians and Norwegians, all working together - follow proven procedures that safely lift the rocket 200 feet up to the launch deck of the platform. |
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With all elements precisely lined up, two cranes housed in the Launch Platform hangar (above), lift the vehicle with cables attached at two brackets on the rocket. |
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This view shows the operation from the stern of the ship as the rocket moves upward. |
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The movement continues until the cables have rolled up to the cranes. Then the rocket is moved horizontally, into the hangar, where it is positioned atop the transporter-erector. When the operation is completed, the hangar doors close and the ship returns to its traditional position on the opposite side of the pier.
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