Intelsat has picked International Launch Services (ILS ) to launch the 10-02 communications satellite using a Russian Proton M booster from Baikonur, Kazakhstan, this year.
The satellite was to have been launched on the Boeing-led Sea Launch Zenit 3SL and the switch results from Intelsat's cancellation of the 10-01 satellite, which had been allocated an ILS launch. No reason for the switch was given by Intelsat.
Sea Launch, which originally planned to launch five satellites in 2003, has been promised a later launch of an unidentified satellite from Intelsat.
Although a launch pad at Baikonur is being refurbished to fly Sea Launch boosters, described as "desert launch" by Russia, the company stresses that it is still committed to launching heavier satellite payloads from the equatorial-based Odyssey offshore platform. Sea Launch is "still evaluating the business case for launching out of Baikonur", the company says, adding that the sea-based operation "is extremely cost-efficient and it is planned to continue for decades".
Meanwhile, RSC Energia has reviewed preliminary designs of a Block DM SL-B upper stage to be used for desert launches and flight tests are expected in mid-2004.
Source: Flight International