LONG BEACH, Calif., March 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Sea Launch Company today
successfully delivered the DIRECTV 11 broadcast satellite to orbit from its
ocean-based platform on the Equator, marking its 4th successful launch of a
DIRECTV satellite.
A Zenit-3SL rocket lifted off at 3:48 pm PDT (22:48 GMT) from the Odyssey
Launch Platform, positioned at 154 degrees West Longitude, precisely on
schedule. All systems performed nominally throughout the flight. The Block
DM-SL upper stage inserted the 5,923 kg (13,058 lb) DIRECTV 11 satellite into
geosynchronous transfer orbit, on its way to a final orbital position at
99.2 degrees West Longitude. Acquisition of the spacecraft's first signals
from orbit is expected in another few hours and will be reported when
confirmed.
"I congratulate DIRECTV on today's successful launch," said Rob Peckham,
president and general manager of Sea Launch. "This is our fourth successful
launch for DIRECTV and we're proud to be a part of your achievements. We look
forward to future opportunities to contribute to your continued success. This
is the 16th Boeing-built spacecraft we've launched and, as always, it's a
pleasure working with the Boeing satellite team.
"I also extend our thanks to everyone involved in achieving this
successful launch, particularly the people of Sea Launch, and our partners,
contractors and families around the world who support us."
DIRECTV 11 is one of three recent Boeing 702-model spacecraft built for
DIRECTV and is among the largest and most powerful Ka-band satellites built to
date. The on-board technology of this direct-to-home satellite will enable
DIRECTV to continue to expand its industry-leading lineup of quality
high-definition television (HDTV) programming. DIRECTV 11, combined with the
DIRECTV 10 satellite already in orbit, will provide DIRECTV with the capacity
for 150 national HD channels and will be capable of supporting spot beams
carrying 1,500 local HD channels.
Earlier Sea Launch missions for DIRECTV include Spaceway 1
(April 26, 2005), DIRECTV 7S (May 4, 2004) and DIRECTV 1R (October 9, 1999).
About Sea Launch Company
Sea Launch Company, LLC, headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., offers the
most direct and cost-effective route to geostationary orbit for commercial
communications satellites. With the advantage of a launch site on the Equator,
the robust Zenit-3SL rocket can lift a heavier mass or provide longer life on
orbit, offering best value plus optimized spacecraft orbital delivery. For
additional information and images about the DIRECTV 11 mission, please visit
the Sea Launch website at: http://www.sea-launch.com
SOURCE Sea Launch Company
Paula Korn of Sea Launch Company, +1-562-499-4729, cell, +1-562-254-5684,
paula.korn@sea-launch.com
