Sea Launch Company has successfully delivered the Galaxy 18 communications satellite to orbit from its ocean-based platform on the Equator, marking its third successful launch in 2008. A Zenit-3SL rocket lifted off at 2:43 a.m. PDT (9:43 GMT) from the Odyssey Launch Platform, positioned at 154° W, precisely on schedule. An hour later, the Block DM-SL upper stage inserted the 4,642 kg (10,234 lb) Galaxy 18 satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit, on its way to a final orbital position at 123° W. Operators at the Hartebeesthoek ground station in South Africa acquired the spacecraft’s first signals from orbit shortly after spacecraft separation. All systems performed nominally throughout the mission. Built by Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), Galaxy 18 will provide advanced television, data and telecommunications services to Intelsat’s customers throughout North America, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
“Congratulations to Intelsat on today’s successful mission,” said Rob Peckham, president and general manager of Sea Launch. “This is our sixth successful launch for Intelsat. We’re extremely proud to be a part of your achievements and we look forward to launching your next satellite in the near future. This is the seventh mission with a Loral spacecraft and it’s always a pleasure working with your team. Thanks to everyone involved in today’s accomplishment, especially the people of Sea Launch and our partners, contractors and families around the world who support us.”—Long Beach, California
