PanAmSat selects Sea Launch for Galaxy 16 Mission
Sea Launch has been selected to launch PanAmSat's Galaxy 16 communication satellite from its equatorial launch site on the Equator. The agreement provides for Sea Launch to lift the 4700-kg spacecraft to geosynchronous transfer orbit in 2006.
Built by Space Systems/Loral, the 1300-series hybrid satellite will carry 24 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders, covering the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and Canada. It will be the fourth spacecraft Sea Launch will orbit for PanAmSat Corporation, based in Wilton, Conn. While it is designed for a 15-year lifespan, Sea Launch's direct insertion into equatorial orbit is expected to yield additional years of fuel life.
"We look forward to launching another satellite for PanAmSat," said Jim Maser, president and general manager of Sea Launch, "This new agreement strengthens an already solid relationship between PanAmSat and Sea Launch. We are proud to be part of their extremely professional and world-class team."
Sea Launch has successfully launched three satellites for PanAmSat, most recently, the Galaxy 13/Horizons-1 spacecraft in September 2003. Previous launches also include Galaxy 3C in 2002 and PAS-9 in 2000.
"We are very happy to again have the pleasure of working with Sea Launch, who has proven to be a reliable and trustworthy partner since the launch of PAS-9 over four years ago," said Jim Frownfelter, chief operating officer of PanAmSat. "Our confidence in their overall reliability coupled with the superior performance of their vehicle makes Sea Launch an obvious choice as one of PanAmSat's primary launch vehicle partners."
PanAmSat is the premier provider of global video and data broadcasting services via satellite. PanAmSat's global network of satellites and fiber connectivity provides unparalleled coverage of the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. This global network enables customers to reach millions of people covering vast geographic areas or offers them the ability to target specific groups in cities, countries or regions.
Sea Launch Company, LLC, headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and marketed through Boeing Launch Services, provides reliable, cost effective, heavy lift launch services for commercial satellite customers . This international partnership offers the most direct and cost-effective route to geostationary orbit. With the advantage of a launch site on the Equator, the reliable Zenit-3SL rocket can lift a heavier spacecraft mass or provide longer life on orbit, offering best value plus schedule assurance.
###
For further information: