The Advantages

In addition to heavy lift performance capability of 4,000 - 6,100 kg+, Sea Launch offers superior value, operational and cost advantages. Our marine operations reduce launch infrastructure, minimizing operational cost. Our continued focus is on customer satisfaction, mission assurance and evolutionary growth with emphasis on high performance, streamlined integration and efficient operations.

Launch Site Location

Launch to all inclinations from a single launch pad
Our equatorial launch site provides the most direct route to orbit, offering maximum lift capacity for increased payload mass or extended spacecraft life
Independent launch range scheduling and excellent environmental conditions

Proven Rocket Technology

Proven, reliable components from the world's premier companies have been combined to create a revolutionary satellite launch service that maximizes payload capability, extends spacecraft life and delivers outstanding injection accuracy.

High Performance

Our marine-based operations and highly automated systems, coupled with a customized launch location, are designed for a performance capability of more than 6,100 kg.

Systems Integration Capabilities

From analytical integration to spacecraft encapsulation to vehicle integration to automated launch processing, the Sea Launch partnership provides a complete launch service package, backed by a half century of experience and best practices.

Cost Savings

In addition to high performance extending spacecraft life, Sea Launch offers operational and cost advantages and West Coast satellite processing facilitates integration operations for U.S. manufacturers.

Orbital placement accuracy results in a reduction of on-board fuel consumption for final on-orbit maneuvering. With the ability to use the extra fuel, satellites can expect extra years of life.

Fast Facts

The Concept:

Launch commercial satellites to orbit from a platform at sea.
Modern, accessible, user-friendly payload processing.
Automated launch operations.
All-inclination launch capability.
Affordable, reliable, new-generation launch vehicle, comprised of capable, flight-proven components.
Facilities and amenities of a U.S. launch site.

The Partners:

Boeing Commercial Space Company, Seattle, Washington, USA
Aker ASA, Oslo, Norway
RSC-Energia, Moscow, Russia
SDO Yuzhnoye/PO Yuzhmash, Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine

Sea Launch Rocket:

Stages 1 & 2: Zenit-3SL.
Stage 3: Energia-produced Block DM-SL.
Payload enclosure and interfaces: Boeing.
Widest diameter 14 feet.
Overall length 209 feet.
All stages kerosene/liquid oxygen fueled.
Capacity to geosynchronous transfer orbit:
over 6,100 kg.

Assembly & Command Ship:

Kvaerner
Modified roll-on, roll-off cargo vessel design.
Rocket vehicle assembly facilities below decks.
Launch control facilities on upper decks.
Customer and crew accommodations for 240 people.
Approximate length 660 feet.
Approximate width 106 feet.
Approximate displacement of 34,000 tons.

Launch Platform:

Kvaerner.
Modified, self-propelled, ocean oil-drilling platform.
Rocket hangar, transporter-erector-launcher system, fuel storage/supply system with three-stage launch capacity.
Accommodations for 68 crew and spacecraft personnel.
Approximate length 436 feet.
Approximate width 220 feet.
Approximate displacement:
Surfaced - 30,000 tons.
Submerged - 50,600 tons.

Milestones:

First studies - 1993.
Sea Launch venture formed - April 3, 1995
Ship construction commenced - December 1995
First order signed with Hughes Space and Communications - Dec. 18, 1995
Second order signed with Space Systems/Loral - July 12, 1996
Home Port construction - August 1996 - 1998
Vessels arrive at Home Port - 1998
First launch - March 27, 1999 - Demonstration Payload
First commercial launch - October 9, 1999 - DIRECTV 1-R
PanAmSat order signed (one launch plus four options) - February 2, 2000
Failed mission - March 12, 2000 - ICO F-1
Return to Flight mission - July 28, 2000 - PAS-9
Heaviest commercial payload in history - October 20, 2000
Most powerful commercial payload - XM-ROCK - March 18, 2001
XM constellation completed - XM ROLL - May 8, 2001
PanAmSat's Fleet Modernization Program completed - June 15, 2002 -
Galaxy IIIC