Sea Launch has boosted the Thuraya-3 communications satellite into orbit, ending the year-long hiatus that followed the explosion of a Zenit-3SL rocket when its engine failed as it lifted off from the floating launch platform.
The launch from the Odyssey launch platform in mid-Pacific, at 11.49 GMT on 15 January, placed the 5,170kg (11,380lb)Thuraya-3 into geosynchronous transfer obit. Signals from the Boeing-built satellite were acquired as planned a few minutes later. The spacecraft will be operated by Abu Dhabi-based Thuraya Satellite Communications.
© Boeing
The spectacular failure of the 30 January 2007 launch was traced to debris in the rocket's liquid-oxygen feed system. A metallic object became lodged between moving and stationary components in the LOx turbopump, where it was ignited by friction and burned, setting off a chain of events that destroyed the turbopump, the RD-171M engine and the Zenit-3SL booster.
A return to flight was delayed first by the need to repair the Odyssey launch platform, which was damaged by the explosion. A replacement flame deflector, a 280t steel structure destroyed when the booster hit the platform, had to be manufactured and installed.
After repairs, the Odyssey launch platform and Sea Launch Commander control vessel left their Long Beach, California home port for the equatorial launch location, aiming for a Thuraya-3 launch window of 13 November, but unusually strong ocean currents prevented the launch and forced the vessels to return home.
While in port, the power and fuel capabilities of the Odyssey platform were increased to enhance launch availability. The launch was then rescheduled for 15 January, the vessels departing Long Beach on 2 January. Sea Launch says the Zenit-3SL lifted off immediately its 44min launch window opened.
Sea Launch is a joint venture between Boeing, Russia's RSC Energia, Norway's Aker ASA and SDO Yuzhnoye and PO Yuzhmash of Ukraine. Launch of the Thuraya-3 mobile communications satellite was the company's 25th mission.
Source: FlightGlobal.com