LIVE: Sea Launch - Atlantic Bird 7 - September 24, 2011

[anik]

Sea Launch has opened page for new mission:
http://www.sea-launch.com/current_launch.htm

The last launch date I heard is September 18.

[russianhalo117]

 Press Release from Sea Launch

SEA LAUNCH ON TRACK TO LOFT EUTELSAT’S ATLANTIC BIRD™ 7
BERN, Switzerland, July 15, 2011 – Eutelsat has assigned the launch of its ATLANTIC BIRD™ 7 communications satellite to Sea Launch. The satellite will be lofted into an optimized geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) on board the reliable Zenit 3SL. The launch will occur from Sea Launch’s Odyssey launch platform after its transit to the equatorial launch site located at 154 degrees West longitude, in international waters of the Pacific Ocean. The sea based transport vessel carrying the launch vehicle designated for ATLANTIC BIRD™ 7 departed the port at Oktyabrsky, Ukraine on 31 May 2011 and arrived at Sea Launch’s Home Port facility in Long Beach, California on 13 July 2011. The ATLANTIC BIRD™ 7 mission is planned for launch in September 2011.

Built by Astrium, an EADS company, the ATLANTIC BIRD™ 7 satellite will weigh approximately 4,600 kilograms (10,141 lbs.) at launch. Its final geostationary orbit will be located at 7 degrees West Longitude, a key neighbourhood for Eutelsat’s digital broadcasting markets in the Middle East and North Africa.

"We are delighted to be entrusted with this important launch assignment from Eutelsat,” said Kjell Karlsen, President of Sea Launch. “We have been working very hard during the past months to realign our supply chain under RSC Energia’s leadership and to provide Eutelsat with the visibility and transparency required to witness first-hand our on-schedule performance in the factories. We look forward to returning to launch operations and successfully executing our first mission with Eutelsat in support of their growing orbital infrastructure and expanded capacity. We sincerely appreciate Eutelsat’s continued confidence in Sea Launch, our launch team and our system."

About Sea Launch AG
Sea Launch AG, headquartered in Bern, Switzerland, provides corporate sales, marketing, contracting and management for launch services based on the highly-proven and reliable Zenit-3SL launch system. The Sea Launch system offers the most direct and cost-effective route to geostationary orbit for commercial communications satellites and has flown 30 missions, providing diversity of supply, affordability and flexibility for the industry's satellite operators. For more information, please visit the Sea Launch website at: www.sea-launch.com.

About Eutelsat Communications
Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is the holding company of Eutelsat S.A. With capacity commercialised on 27 satellites that provide coverage over the entire European continent, as well as the Middle East, Africa, India and significant parts of Asia and the Americas, Eutelsat is one of the world's three leading satellite operators in terms of revenues. At March 31, 2011, Eutelsat’s satellites were broadcasting more than 3,800 television channels to over 200 million cable and satellite homes in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The Group’s satellites also serve a wide range of fixed and mobile telecommunications services, TV contribution markets, corporate networks, and broadband markets for Internet Service Providers and for transport, maritime and in-flight markets. Eutelsat's broadband subsidiary, Skylogic, markets and operates access to high speed Internet services through teleports in France and Italy that serve enterprises, local communities, government agencies and aid organisations in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Headquartered in Paris, Eutelsat and its subsidiaries employ 700 commercial, technical and operational employees from 28 countries. www.eutelsat.com.

# # #

Contact:
Peter Stier, +1 562 499 4726, [email protected]

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Mission Update

Current Mission - ATLANTIC BIRD™ 7

Sea Launch is preparing for the launch of the ATLANTIC BIRD™ 7 communications satellite in September 2011. Built by Astrium, an EADS company, the ATLANTIC BIRD™ 7 satellite will weigh approximately 4,600 kilograms (10,141 lbs.) at launch. Its final geostationary orbit will be located at 7 degrees West Longitude, a key neighbourhood for Eutelsat's digital broadcasting markets in the Middle East and North Africa.

 Launch Coverage

Sea Launch will produce live coverage of the ATLANTIC BIRD™ 7 mission, and stream video of the event on this website. Launch broadcast will begin approximately 15 minutes before scheduled liftoff. Please click http://www.sea-launch.com/current_index_webcast.html to view our live mission coverage.

 Mission Highlights

Zenit-3SL hardware being offloaded at Home Port: http://www.sea-launch.com/current_launch.htm#mission_album

 Payload

ATLANTIC BIRD™ 7 will be based on Astrium’s Eurostar 3000 platform, optimized for high-growth broadcasting markets, two beams will give superior coverage across the Middle East, including Gulf states, as well as North Africa and North-West Africa.

Up to 44 Ku band transponders will be connected to a broad high power footprint serving the Middle East and North Africa for Direct-to-Home (DTH) broadcasting.
A second footprint for North-West Africa, across the Maghreb countries and extending down to the Gulf of Guinea will be connected to a payload of up to 12 Ku-band transponders designed for consumer broadcasting services and equipped to meet high for internet access services.
ATLANTIC BIRD™ 7 vital statistics:

Platform: Astrium Eurostar E3000
Width with solar panels deployed 33 m
Mass at launch 4.6 tones
Power at end-of-life 12 kW
Operational lifetime 15 + years
Astrium, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defense space systems and services.

 Mission Profile
 
From its ocean-based launch site located directly on the equator at 154 degrees West Longitude, a Zenit-3SL launch vehicle will lift the 4,600 kilograms (10,141 lbs.) ATLANTIC BIRD™ 7 spacecraft into an optimized geosynchronous transfer orbit on its way to its final geostationary orbit at 7 degrees West longitude.

Lifting off from the Odyssey Launch Platform, the Zenit-3SL rocket will begin its ascent phase of flight. The first stage of the vehicle will separate 2:29 minutes after liftoff, and the protective payload fairing will be jettisoned 43 seconds later. Following its 6 minute burn, the second stage will separate from the Block DM-SL upper stage. The Block DM-SL will begin a 5:40 minute operation and then shut down for a 37:13 minute coast period. The Block DM-SL will burn a second time for 5:51 minutes. Following this second burn, and another 9:50 minute coast period, the spacecraft will separate from the upper stage over the Indian Ocean.

 Launch Timeline

Time   Event
L= 0:00:00   Liftoff
L+ 0:02:29   Stage 1 Separation
L+ 0:03:12   Payload Fairing Jettison
L+ 0:08:29   Stage 2 Separation
L+ 0:08:39   Block DM 1st Burn Ignition
L+ 0:51:31   Block DM 2nd Burn Ignition
L+ 1:07:12   Spacecraft Separation

[Satori]

There is already a thread for this launch on Commercial Space Flight General, so I'm merging the two threads there.

[Phillip Clark]

It will be good to see Sea Launch back doing launches again.

[edkyle99]

There is already a thread for this launch on Commercial Space Flight General, so I'm merging the two threads there.

Shouldn't this be under "Russian" (slash Ukrainian) launches?  That's where Proton launches for ILS are now covered.  Like ILS, Sea Launch is now a majority Russian-owned entity.

 - Ed Kyle

[D_Dom]

I have always considered this to be a commercial effort. International partners indeed add bonus points but the challenge is making a profit

[Chris Bergin]

There is already a thread for this launch on Commercial Space Flight General, so I'm merging the two threads there.

Shouldn't this be under "Russian" (slash Ukrainian) launches?  That's where Proton launches for ILS are now covered.  Like ILS, Sea Launch is now a majority Russian-owned entity.

 - Ed Kyle

I'm going to be adding some sections for unmanned missions/spacecraft this week/weekend - led by a big feature on the Voyagers - so I might even add a Sea Launch section, given they don't have a natural home (Russian, Commercial) as we've covered a lot of their launches, and of course the failure.

Really glad these guys are back. Hope the Sea Launch Jazz webcast music returns!

[anik]

I was told the launch is planned on September 22-25.

[Eric Hedman]

I'm curious if anyone knows if Sea Launch does anything to chase away from their platform any major sea life such as whales, dolphins, sharks, etc. before they launch?  Is the rocket launched far enough above the water to not be a threat to such animals?  Or are they launching far enough away from any migration routes that it is not a threat to any species?

[kevin-rf]

Who knows, but they are in the middle of a very deep ocean. Marine life is few and far between. It's not like that shuttle which knocked out a pelican out of the air...

[Eric Hedman]

Who knows, but they are in the middle of a very deep ocean. Marine life is few and far between. It's not like that shuttle which knocked out a pelican out of the air...

Does anyone know if after that launch if they did anything to scare birds away for the remaining launches?  I would imagine that a large bird could have damaged the foam insulation on the ET.

[Nicolas PILLET]

I was told the launch is planned on September 22-25.

Last week, the head of KB Youzhnoye told me in person that it was actually planned for 22nd september ! 

[AnalogMan]

I was told the launch is planned on September 22-25.

Last week, the head of KB Youzhnoye told me in person that it was actually planned for 22nd september ! 

I have also seen 22 September from another source (but no launch window times yet).

[anik]

I was told the fuelling of DM-SL upper stage has begun yesterday. It should last three days. The assembly of Zenit-3SL rocket will begin after that.

[clsspace]

I'm curious if anyone knows if Sea Launch does anything to chase away from their platform any major sea life such as whales, dolphins, sharks, etc. before they launch?  Is the rocket launched far enough above the water to not be a threat to such animals?  Or are they launching far enough away from any migration routes that it is not a threat to any species?

Prior to launch, the Sea Launch helicopter(among other things)looks for sealife around the platform.  Never seen any whales or dolphins at the launch site, but have seen rays, sharks and other fish.  Real danger zone is below the flame bucket (if you don't count NSS8 failure).  Since no one is on the platform hard to say if it has ever toasted a shark or not.  Evidence would be gone by the time anyone could check.

[anik]

I was told Odyssey platform will depart Long Beach on September 8-9th, the launch is planned on September 22nd.

[AnalogMan]

Update on launch window:

September 22nd  20:18 - 21:32 GMT (16:18 - 17:32 EDT)

[clsspace]

The Sea Launch Web-Cam for the LP is back up and running, looks like it is updating every 5 minutes.

http://www.navigon.net/sl/pictures/

[clsspace]

Rocket is out on the LP.
http://www.navigon.net/sl/pictures/

[Prober]

Rocket is out on the LP.
http://www.navigon.net/sl/pictures/

[kevin-rf]

Are we looking at the Long Beach pier with traffic in the background?

[notherspacexfan]

Are we looking at the Long Beach pier with traffic in the background?

http://maps.google.com/?ll=33.744638,-118.22535

[Prober]

My total surprise....

[Lars_J]

Are they launching from Long Beach? 

[anik]

My total surprise...

Tests of rocket's systems before Odyssey's departing.

[Sur2900]

Intelsat files for ground control license for Sept 22 launch.

http://licensing.fcc.gov/myibfs/download.do?attachment_key=915472

[SIM city]

Intelsat files for ground control license for Sept 22 launch.

http://licensing.fcc.gov/myibfs/download.do?attachment_key=915472

Intelsat is seeking authority through October 21, 2011 to accommodate a possible launch delay.

[kq6ea]

The Odyssey left this afternoon about 1330.
The ACS will follow on Sunday, approx 1000.

[Prober]

@ Sea

[Prober]

Update: Still under steam, looks like much better weather.

[anik]

According to GSFC, the launch is delayed to September 23.

[Prober]

That is one very long sea trip.   Anyone know how fast the platform & ship are traveling?

[kq6ea]

That is one very long sea trip.   Anyone know how fast the platform & ship are traveling?

The ACS can travel along at about 20 knots. The LP can do about 10 knots. Once we catch the LP (I ride on the ACS) we slow to match their speed.
Right now we're doing about 10 knots.

[anik]

SEA LAUNCH PREPARES FOR THE LAUNCH OF ATLANTIC BIRD™ 7
http://www.sea-launch.com/news_releases/2011/nr_110920.html

BERN, Switzerland, September 20, 2011 – The Sea Launch vessels have departed Sea Launch Home Port for the Equator, in preparation for the launch of the ATLANTIC BIRD™ 7 satellite owned by Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris:ETL), on September 23rd. Liftoff is planned for 13:18 pm Pacific Daylight Time (20:18 GMT/UTC), at the opening of a 74-minute launch window.

Upon arrival at the launch site later today, at 154 degrees West Longitude, the Sea Launch team will initiate a 72-hour countdown. After ballasting the Odyssey Launch Platform to launch depth, the team will roll out and erect a Zenit-3SL rocket on the launch pad, execute final tests and then proceed with fueling operations and launch. Prior to fueling, all personnel on the Launch Platform will transfer to the Sea Launch Commander for the duration of the mission. The team monitors both marine and launch operations remotely from the ship, positioned about four miles uprange of the platform.

On launch day, the Zenit-3SL vehicle will lift the 4,600 kilograms (10,141 lbs.) ATLANTIC BIRD™ 7 spacecraft into a defined high-perigee geosynchronous transfer orbit. Built by Astrium, an EADS company, its scheduled in-orbit lifetime exceeds 15 years. Its final geostationary orbit will be located at 7 degrees West Longitude, a key neighbourhood for Eutelsat’s digital broadcasting markets in the Middle East and North Africa.

[JohnWT]

Looking at the web cams, both vessels appear to be on station.

[kq6ea]

Looking at the web cams, both vessels appear to be on station.

Yes, we arrived about 22:45 PDT.

[anik]

According to GSFC, the launch is delayed to NET September 24.

[anik]

I was told the launch is delayed to September 24 due to problems with sinkage of Odyssey platform.

[D_Dom]

We prefer the term "ballasted down". It is semantics difference along the lines of "launch" vs blastoff. I am preparing for a nominal commute across the link bridge, will attach a picture later.
I owe, I owe, so it's off to work I go.

[Silmfeanor]

We prefer the term "ballasted down". It is semantics difference along the lines of "launch" vs blastoff. I am preparing for a nominal commute across the link bridge, will attach a picture later.
I owe, I owe, so it's off to work I go.

ooh, I look forward to that!

[clsspace]

Link Bridge operating.

[anik]

http://www.sea-launch.com/news.htm

The Odyssey Launch Platform arrived at the launch site at 22:40 on 20-September 2011. The Sea Launch Commander ACS moved to relative launch support position for Payload Unit and Spacecraft testing. The Launch Platform has begun ballasting operations and L-2 day operations have begun. Sea Launch is now working towards a revised Launch Date of 24 September.

[Prober]

New ship @ Platform pic

[DaveS]

New ship @ Platform pic

That would be the Sea Launch Commander.

[Chris Bergin]

Have always loved Sea Launch. I can't wait for this return.

We're told not to expect the same webcast deal as previously (change of ownership etc), but so long as we get a webcast! None of that Sea Launch jazz, however.

[Prober]

rollout

[Prober]

Next

[catdlr]

Erected

[DaveS]

Have always loved Sea Launch. I can't wait for this return.

We're told not to expect the same webcast deal as previously (change of ownership etc), but so long as we get a webcast! None of that Sea Launch jazz, however.

Webcast will be live here at 2018 UTC(4:18pm EDT) on the 24th: http://www.sea-launch.com/current_index_webcast.html

[Chris Bergin]

Thanks Dave. That's a reasonably strict notice on their webcast. I better e-mail Sea Launch PAO about using screenshots.

[Chris Bergin]

Moved for live coverage.

Go Sea Launch!

[Chris Bergin]

Webcast not starting until T-15 minutes, in case anyone's wondering.

Will be here:
http://www.sea-launch.com/current_index_webcast.html

[Ford Mustang]

Webcast not starting until T-15 minutes, in case anyone's wondering.

Will be here:
http://www.sea-launch.com/current_index_webcast.html

I can be here to cover if nobody else is lined up.  Did you get a response for use of screenshots?

[Chris Bergin]

Great, thanks Steven. Screenshots are cool.

[Chris Bergin]

Launch article:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/09/sea-launch-zenit-3sl-launch-atlantic-bird-7/

[Ronsmytheiii]

Ill have backup and video If I can get it to work in vlc... but a warning college football is on as well

[Ford Mustang]

Doesn't look like issues are being worked, and Sea Launch has noted on their website that conditions are favorable at the launch site for today's return to flight.

After the first Block DM burn, we'll be in a 43 minute coast phase, before burning again.  Approximately 1 hour after the first Block DM burn, we'll have spacecraft sep.

[tehwkd]

chris: what about video? I noticed the text too late and sent the email asking about it an hour ago, so i doubt i get a response any time soon

[Ford Mustang]

L-17 minutes.  Webcast should start in the next two.

[Chris Bergin]

Well I've got a picture of a nice looking lady with a media player banner....so about to start hopefully.

[Danderman]

Well, something happened, the broadcast is up, but nothing on screen concerning SeaLaunch.

[Ford Mustang]

Looks like they are trying to add the webcast but are having issues with it...  Hopefully it'll be up and running soon.  I've now got a black box that won't let me hit the play button...

[Ford Mustang]

L-10 minutes.

[Mapperuo]

No pretty lady at this end.. Jealous. 

[Danderman]

Looks like they are trying to add the webcast but are having issues with it...  Hopefully it'll be up and running soon.  I've now got a black box that won't let me hit the play button...

Same here. Refreshing the page does nothing.

[Ronsmytheiii]

Looks like they are trying to add the webcast but are having issues with it...  Hopefully it'll be up and running soon.  I've now got a black box that won't let me hit the play button...

same for me unfortunately

[Phillip Clark]

Still looking at the lady ......

[Chris Bergin]

Same here. They are trying, but this is the first time under the new era, so issues are probably to be expected.

[patchfree]

Same here.

[Chris Bergin]

T-8 minutes

[clsspace]

Will have to use the webcam to confirm it's gone.

[Prober]

T-8 minutes

I still get the lady .....a built in hold?

[patchfree]

The ombilical tower was withdrawn.

[Chris Bergin]

T-8 minutes

I still get the lady .....a built in hold?

No, they have a problem with the webcast I'd guess as the notice is still up for the launch at 18 minutes past the hour.

If there's a scrub, I'd expect the notice to change at least.

[Phillip Clark]

Is it my eyesight (probably!) or is the lady out of focus?

[Ronsmytheiii]

[otisbow]

All I have is a black screen for tht web-cast!!!

[Chris Bergin]

Good call, we might have to rely on that webcam for confirmation of launch.

T-4 minutes.

[Ford Mustang]

L-3 minutes.  Still no webcast.

[Danderman]

Good call, we might have to rely on that webcam for confirmation of launch.

T-4 minutes.

Except that the webcam image is time stamped as being 10 minutes old.

[Ford Mustang]

L-1 minute.  No webcast.  We'll have to rely on the webcams.

[Silmfeanor]

L-1 minute.  No webcast.  We'll have to rely on the webcams.

lox venting stopped there

[Mapperuo]

They should have broadcast a testcard or something earlier to check it, They'll learn.. 

[Chris Bergin]

Well this is a first for a launch. A webcast available, but not working.

Anyone with a camera in the Pacific ocean?

[Ford Mustang]

Liftoff should have occurred.  Awaiting a new webcam image to confirm.

[tehwkd]

DAMMIT!   there was another source http://www.ustream.tv/atlanticbirdlaunch

[Chris Bergin]

Hard refresh and they've taken down the player. Still claiming a launch at 20:18GMT, so no scrub notice.

[Ford Mustang]

Stage 1 separation.  Liftoff succcessful.

[Orbiter]

First stage Sep!!

[Phillip Clark]

DAMMIT!   there was another source http://www.ustream.tv/atlanticbirdlaunch

Expletive deleted.

[Ford Mustang]

Fairing jettison.

[Silmfeanor]

succesfull 2nd stage throttle up

fairing jettisoned
all nominal so far

[Orbiter]

Faring Jett, looking good so far.

[Chris Bergin]

DAMMIT!   there was another source http://www.ustream.tv/atlanticbirdlaunch

Nice find. So it's launched!!

[Danderman]

The Block-DM is sending telemetry now that the PLF has been jettisoned.

[Orbiter]

MET 4min 30 sec.

[sdsds]

[Chris Bergin]

T+5 minutes, nominal ascent.

[Ford Mustang]

Sounds like all is nominal so far.  MET 5min 46s.

[Chris Bergin]

Three minutes to staging. Only a 100 people on that ustream, so that was a very good find that not many people are aware of.

[Ford Mustang]

SECO confirmed.  Waiting for second stage separation.  2 minutes out.

[Ford Mustang]

Flight is nominal.  1 minute until stage separation.  MET 8 minutes, 27 seconds.

Second stage vernier engine shutdown confirmed.

[sdsds]

[Danderman]

IIRC, those shots of the control room during launch didn't happen previously, due to ITAR restrictions.

[Ford Mustang]

Block DM separation confirmed.  Antennas deployed.

[Ford Mustang]

Block DM first engine start confirmed.  We're burning.  Their timer is WAY off from the live events.

20:26:24 GMT was Block DM sep.
20:26:33 GMT was Block DM ignition.

[Chris Bergin]

Staging! 1-2 Sep. Second Stage ignition.

[Ford Mustang]

Into an Atlantic Bird 7 mission video.

[Mapperuo]

Very nice quality Ustream feed, Hopefully they'll show a launch replay.

[Ford Mustang]

Nice image during processing of the Atlantic Bird 7.

[pippin]

Three minutes to staging. Only a 100 people on that ustream, so that was a very good find that not many people are aware of.

The 100 came from this site.
It was 15 when I joined clicking on the link above!

[Ford Mustang]

170km perigee confirmed.  Burn going nominally.

[Ford Mustang]

Block DM MECO!  20:32:14 GMT.

Coasting for 37 minutes.

[rjscott]

Three minutes to staging. Only a 100 people on that ustream, so that was a very good find that not many people are aware of.

The 100 came from this site.
It was 15 when I joined clicking on the link above!

Thanks to tehwkd for sharing it.

[sdsds]

[Prober]

DAMMIT!   there was another source http://www.ustream.tv/atlanticbirdlaunch

Nice find. So it's launched!!

someone ask them to push the save at ustream and we can watch again.

[DT1]

Three minutes to staging. Only a 100 people on that ustream, so that was a very good find that not many people are aware of.

The 100 came from this site.
It was 15 when I joined clicking on the link above!

Thanks to tehwkd for sharing it.

Yes, many thanks also from my side!

[Ford Mustang]

While we wait, we'd still be waiting for confirmation of launch if we were waiting on just the webcams, they still haven't updated.

Helicopters are overhead of the launch site, checking for damage, etc.  It'll be a few hours before any personnel are back on the launch pad.

[tehwkd]

DAMMIT!   there was another source http://www.ustream.tv/atlanticbirdlaunch

Nice find. So it's launched!!

someone ask them to push the save at ustream and we can watch again.

the guy who found it said the stream was off air until T+2min, so i doubt they have liftoff (also you need to start recording when you start broadcasting, if they didnt click record its too late now)

[sdsds]

Speaking in German, Ja?

[Silmfeanor]

Speaking in German, Ja?

It is a very, very heavy accent of german - You could really call it Swiss.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_German
edit: could also be
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_Standard_German

but it's not really german. You can understand words, but there are quite a few diffirences.

[Ford Mustang]

Great views pre-launch:

[Mapperuo]

Heh now Sea Launch have just embedded the Ustream player on their site.

[Ford Mustang]

Looks like the Block DM and Atlantic Bird 7 is just crossing the eastern coast of South America.  All is currently nominal.

[sdsds]

[Ford Mustang]

Eutelsat's control begins about 13 minutes after spacecraft separation.

It'll take about 9 days to raise the orbit to their test orbit.  They'll then raise the orbit again to test again.  One month after launch, they'll hand the satellite over to spacecraft control.

[Ford Mustang]

Well that was a very nice video on the processing of Atlantic Bird 7.

[Phillip Clark]

Thank you to all concerned for the coverage - especially in view of the initial webcam problems.

[Ford Mustang]

About 2 minutes left until Block DM ignites for the second and final time.

[Chris Bergin]

Two minutes to the second burn.

[Ford Mustang]

Block DM's second ignition confirmed.  21:09:26 GMT was the start time.

[Ford Mustang]

Sea Launch showing some of their old launch footage.

[Ford Mustang]

Block DM burn almost complete.

[Ford Mustang]

Block DM SECO at 21:15:17 GMT.

[Chris Bergin]

Nine mins to S/C Sep.

[Ford Mustang]

We're coasting over Africa, about 8 minutes until S/C separation.

[Ford Mustang]

Coming up on S/C separation.  Coasting over the Indian ocean.

[Chris Bergin]

S/C Sep confirmed!

Great work. Successful return for Sea Launch!

Great work on here guys, from Steven to the webcast issue checks and the find of the UStream.

[Ford Mustang]

Spacecraft separation!  Congratulations to all!  Welcome back to flight, Sea Launch! Separation occurred at 21:25:07 GMT.

[Ford Mustang]

Awaiting spacecraft acquisition.  About 12 minutes from now.

Now coasting in the transfer orbit.  Apogee is about 22,000 miles.  Time for S/C acquisition is approximate, depends how long the tracking station takes to get a signal.

[Ford Mustang]

Mission successful!  Spacecraft acquisition!  Congratulations!

[Ford Mustang]

Coverage has ended.  No launch replay.

[Salo]

Congratulations! 

[Ronsmytheiii]

here is the launch (not my video but oh well)

[Salo]

Exact launch time 20:17:59.064 UTC.

[Chris Bergin]

Sea Launch Successfully Delivers Eutelsat’s ATLANTIC BIRD™ 7 Spacecraft into Orbit
BERN, Switzerland, September 24, 2011 - Sea Launch AG has successfully launched the ATLANTIC BIRD™ 7 broadcast satellite from the Equator on the ocean-based Odyssey Launch Platform, marking its first mission for Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) and its awaited return to launch operations following re-organization in late 2010.
The Zenit-3SL rocket carrying the ATLANTIC BIRD™ 7 spacecraft lifted off at 13:18 Pacific Daylight Time (20:18 GMT/UTC) on September 24 from the launch platform, positioned at 154 degrees West Longitude in international waters of the Pacific Ocean. One hour and seven minutes later, the Block DM-SL upper stage inserted the satellite, weighing approximately 4,600 kilograms (10,141 lbs.) and built by Astrium, an EADS company, into geosynchronous transfer orbit, on its way to a final orbital position at 7 degrees West Longitude. Operators at the Hartebeesthoek ground station near Pretoria, South Africa acquired the spacecraft’s first signals from orbit shortly after spacecraft separation. All systems performed nominally throughout the launch mission.
"We offer our sincere congratulations to Eutelsat, and to Astrium for this outstanding success,” said Kjell Karlsen, president of Sea Launch AG. “We’re very proud to play a role in Eutelsat’s continued and expanding success. We thank you for your renewed trust and confidence in our system and our team. I also want to thank and congratulate the Sea Launch and Energia Logistics teams, RSC Energia, as well as all of the suppliers and contractors around the world who support us.”
Michel de Rosen, Eutelsat CEO, added: “The powerful ATLANTIC BIRD™ 7 satellite will further consolidate Eutelsat’s resources for vibrant digital broadcasting markets across the Middle East and North Africa. Our thanks go to Sea Launch AG, Energia Logistics and RSC Energia for this precisely-executed launch and their extreme professionalism during this important campaign. With tonight’s launch successfully completed, we are now fully focused on collaborating with our industrial partner, Astrium, to bring ATLANTIC BIRD 7 into full commercial service next month.”
About Sea Launch AG
Sea Launch AG, headquartered in Bern, Switzerland, provides corporate sales, marketing, contracting and management for launch services based on the highly-proven and reliable Zenit-3SL launch system. The Sea Launch system offers the most direct and cost-effective route to geostationary orbit for commercial communications satellites and has flown 31 missions, providing diversity of supply, affordability, flexibility and assured access to space for the industry's satellite operators. For more information, please visit the Sea Launch website at: www.sea-launch.com.
About Eutelsat Communications

Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is the holding company of Eutelsat S.A. With capacity commercialised on 27 satellites that provide coverage over the entire European continent, as well as the Middle East, Africa, India and significant parts of Asia and the Americas, Eutelsat is one of the world's three leading satellite operators in terms of revenues. As of 30 June 2011, Eutelsat’s satellites were broadcasting more than 3,800 television channels. More than 1,100 channels are broadcast via its HOT BIRD™ video neighbourhood at 13 degrees East alone which serves over 120 million cable and satellite homes in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The Group’s satellites also serve a wide range of fixed and mobile telecommunications services, TV contribution markets, corporate networks, and broadband markets for Internet Service Providers and for transport, maritime and in-flight markets. Eutelsat's broadband subsidiary, Skylogic, markets and operates access to high speed internet services through teleports in France and Italy that serve enterprises, local communities, government agencies and aid organisations in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Headquartered in Paris, Eutelsat and its subsidiaries employ just over 700 commercial, technical and operational professionals from 30 countries.
www.eutelsat.com,
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Contact:
Peter G. Stier, +1 562 499 4726, [email protected]

[robertross]

here is the launch (not my video but oh well)

thanks for the link Ron.

Congrats to the teams, and welcome back Sea Launch!

[sdsds]

Congrats to the teams, and welcome back Sea Launch!

Is it correct the most recent previous launch was in April, 2009?  So there was a "gap" of 2.5 years?

[robertross]

Congrats to the teams, and welcome back Sea Launch!

Is it correct the most recent previous launch was in April, 2009?  So there was a "gap" of 2.5 years?

Looks to be correct...how time flies

Last launch seems to have been for the SICRAL 1B.

[edkyle99]

here is the launch (not my video but oh well)

Liftoff sounds seem fake in the video.  A lip-sync launch? 

 - Ed Kyle

[hop]

Liftoff sounds seem fake in the video.  A lip-sync launch? 

In the webcast, the video was badly out of sync with the live commentary, e.g. calling staging when display had more than a minute to go.

Still, can't complain to much if that's the biggest "funny" of the mission. Congratulations to Sea Launch on a successful return

[Andy USA]

Congrats to the teams, and welcome back Sea Launch!

Is it correct the most recent previous launch was in April, 2009?  So there was a "gap" of 2.5 years?

You just made Chris cry by not reading his article

"Saturday's launch marks a new era for Sea Launch - after they went out of business two years ago, with their previous launch - with Italy's SICRAL 1A - occurring in April, 2009."

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/09/sea-launch-zenit-3sl-launch-atlantic-bird-7/

[Prober]

the After launch pic.
Looks in great shape, but thats a mix of burn, seawater etc.  How do you clean it?

[Lewis007]

Some launch pix (source: Eutelsat)

[yaroslav]

here is the launch (not my video but oh well)
...

looks like operator had some "gorilka" for premedication 

[yaroslav]

Host for your pictures

[Nicolas PILLET]

It was Bloc DM-SL n°31L ?

[yaroslav]

here is the launch (not my video but oh well)
...

launch only part

[kevin-rf]

Glad to see them back! Congrads!!!

[Prober]

another after pic

[Finn]

You just made Chris cry by not reading his article

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/09/sea-launch-zenit-3sl-launch-atlantic-bird-7/

I did read it   and noticed a glitch: There's a link to the Japanese H-2A live update thread, instead of the Sea Launch thread.

Update: Already fixed, thanks.

[anik]

It was Block DM-SL n°31L?

Yes, according to RSC Energia website.

[Satori]

Exact launch time 20:17:59.064 UTC.

Thank you!!!

[short]

I noticed the sea launch webcam had stopped updating on October 4, and looked for any news. There was a piece in  Hawaii News Now  about Ocean Odyssey stopping near Aloha Tower  for fueling  apparently on the way to dry dock in Singapore.

 http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/15646719/sea-launch-ocean-odyssey

[Prober]

I noticed the sea launch webcam had stopped updating on October 4, and looked for any news. There was a piece in  Hawaii News Now  about Ocean Odyssey stopping near Aloha Tower  for fueling  apparently on the way to dry dock in Singapore.

 http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/15646719/sea-launch-ocean-odyssey

In for repairs or moving the home port?

[short]

It seems to be for maintenance.  I found reference to it on a Russian blog which referred to a Space News interview with Kjell Karlsen which I was unable to locate.
http://www.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8948&start=630&sid=31ebcb61ad0df2462ce4ce96c1e15f09
Sea Launch President Kjell Karlsen said the launch platform will be put into dry dock to replace its engines and clean its pontoons, and is scheduled to return to the company’s Long Beach, Calif., operations center by January. “I look at this as a big non-event,” Karlsen said in a Sept. 12 interview. “It is something that needs to be done every 15 years and will result in the platform’s being more fuel efficient afterward.”