Sea Launch Awarded Launch Assignment for the Thuraya-3 Satellite
In a contract signed with Boeing Satellite Systems International (BSSI), a Sea Launch Zenit-3SL vehicle will lift the 5250 kg (11,578 lb) Thuraya-3 satellite to geosynchronous transfer orbit from Sea Launch's equatorial launch site in the Pacific Ocean in January 2007.
"Sea Launch successfully launched Thuraya-1 (Oct. 2000) and Thuraya-2 (June 2003)," said Rob Peckham, president and general manager of Sea Launch. "We are ideally suited to launch this heavy spacecraft and we are delighted to welcome back BSSI and Thuraya for the Thuraya-3 mission. This contract demonstrates Thuraya's confidence in our reliable system and dedicated team."
Boeing is designing and building the GEO-Mobile (GEM) spacecraft at its Satellite Development Center in El Segundo, Calif., for the Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Company, to expand capacity in the Thuraya system. The design integrates a high-power satellite with a ground segment and user handsets, to provide a range of cellular-like voice and data services regionally. The Thuraya ground segment includes terrestrial gateways plus a collocated network operations center and satellite control facility in the United Arab Emirates.
About Thuraya
Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Company, based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is a leading regional mobile satellite system that provides satellite-based telephone services to a region covering more than 100 countries in Europe, Africa, India, the Middle East and Asia, populated by an estimated 2.3 billion people. Thuraya's dynamic mobile phones combine satellite, GSM and GPS and provide services that include voice, data, fax and short messaging. For more information, visit Thuraya on the web at:www.thuraya.com.
Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Company, based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is a leading regional mobile satellite system that provides satellite-based telephone services to a region covering more than 100 countries in Europe, Africa, India, the Middle East and Asia, populated by an estimated 2.3 billion people. Thuraya's dynamic mobile phones combine satellite, GSM and GPS and provide services that include voice, data, fax and short messaging. For more information, visit Thuraya on the web at:www.thuraya.com.
About the Boeing Satellite Development Center
Boeing's Satellite Development Center (SDC) is the leading manufacturer of government and commercial communications satellites. Encompassing approximately one million square feet, the state-of-the-art facility is the largest dedicated satellite factory in the world. In addition to the Thuraya-3 spacecraft, the SDC also built the Thuraya-1 and Thuraya-2 spacecraft. For more information, go to:www.boeing.com/defense-space/space/bss.
Boeing's Satellite Development Center (SDC) is the leading manufacturer of government and commercial communications satellites. Encompassing approximately one million square feet, the state-of-the-art facility is the largest dedicated satellite factory in the world. In addition to the Thuraya-3 spacecraft, the SDC also built the Thuraya-1 and Thuraya-2 spacecraft. For more information, go to:www.boeing.com/defense-space/space/bss.
About Sea Launch
Sea Launch Company, LLC, headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., is the world's most reliable heavy-lift commercial launch service. 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 robust Zenit-3SL rocket can lift a heavier spacecraft mass or provide longer life on orbit, offering best value plus schedule assurance. Sea Launch is building a legacy, with one successful launch, one satisfied customer, at a time. For additional information, please go to: www.sea-launch.com.
Sea Launch Company, LLC, headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., is the world's most reliable heavy-lift commercial launch service. 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 robust Zenit-3SL rocket can lift a heavier spacecraft mass or provide longer life on orbit, offering best value plus schedule assurance. Sea Launch is building a legacy, with one successful launch, one satisfied customer, at a time. For additional information, please go to: www.sea-launch.com.
###
For further information:
Paula Korn
Sea Launch Company, LLC
office: 562.499.4729
mobile: 562.254.5684
paula.korn@sea-launch.com
Sea Launch Company, LLC
office: 562.499.4729
mobile: 562.254.5684
paula.korn@sea-launch.com