Was there ever an official explanation for the fireworks onboard SeaLaunch this spring? Was it a rocket malfunction or a launch platform problem?
DIRECTV-11 Scheduled for December 2007 Launch
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Last I knew they determined there was something that should be there in the fuel line and when it hit a turbine pump it jamed it which caused the explosion.
So the platform is actively transferring fuel during launch sequence? Thought the rockets would be fully fueled before being sailed into position.
The rocket was destroyed when the fuel pump exploded seconds after lift off.
The main damage to the Sea Launch platform was that the blast deflector was destroyed. They had to fabricate a new one.
Check the bottom of the page at Sea Launch Launch Vehicle page, final fueling starts shortly before launch.
If they can get the satellite up before the end of this year it should mean that all of their promised 2007 capicity will be in place on time. Truly remarkable.
Keep in mind it still takes about 2 months to park, test and public release a satellite. So 2007 launch no matter what realistically means 1st quarter 2008 channels or channel capacity. Anything can go wrong during that process. Any who, its great news. Go Sea Launch.
The last launch attempt (In January) was a failure, yes.
The DIRECTV-11 sat is suposed to go to 99 slot.
Today Sea Launch officially confirmed an October 'Return To Flight' - things are looking good.
Sea Launch Home Page
Sea Launch Home Page
DirecTV was always ahead of EchoStar 11, which had already been pushed to Dec 07/Jan 08 before the failure in January. The next mission was always going to be Thuraya D3, which was supposed to launch in January but was pushed back due to delays on previous missions.
BTW, the second EchoStar satellite launched in 07 is Anik F3. They have the entire Ku band payload on that satellite.
Also on the "pre-accident" list for a July launch, was the Huges Sat. Spaceway- 3.
It was/is a communications satellite designed for internet functions. Huges pulled
out of the SeaLaunch contract, and went to Arienspace instead. The launch is
currently set for Aug.
It was/is a communications satellite designed for internet functions. Huges pulled
out of the SeaLaunch contract, and went to Arienspace instead. The launch is
currently set for Aug.
Sea Launch Awaits Delivery of new Gas Deflector
Sea Launch News Release - Sea Launch Awaits Delivery of new Gas Deflector
"Long Beach, Calif., July 23, 2007 – Sea Launch’s prime contractor for launch system ground support, the Design Bureau for Transport Machinery (DBTM) of Moscow, Russia, has completed fabrication of a new gas deflector for the Zenit-3SL launch system. The massive structure is expected to arrive in mid-August at Sea Launch Home Port, where it will be installed at the stern of the Odyssey Launch Platform, beneath the launch pad.
The gas deflector was destroyed during the failed January 30 launch attempt, when a Zenit-3SL vehicle lost thrust and impacted the structure. The gas deflector (also known as the flame deflector), is a one-of-a-kind, 280 metric ton steel structure, including truss supports, that directs engine exhaust away from the platform and controls the acoustic environment. DBTM managed construction of the replacement structure near the Baltisky shipyard in St. Petersburg, Russia, where the original deflector was manufactured.
Sea Launch is proceeding on schedule with repairs and re-certification of the Odyssey Launch Platform and associated launch support equipment. A team of specialists currently working on the Odyssey at the Victoria Shipyard in British Columbia, expects to complete the heavy industrial repair work and painting next week.
The construction of the gas deflector is considered a major milestone among these activities. Other completed work includes repair and installation of the platform’s hangar doors and communication antennas, and replacement of heat-affected wiring and cables. Sea Launch plans to conduct marine tests before returning to Home Port in Long Beach in August to resume work with the installation of the gas deflector. Progress of “Mission Recovery” is posted on the Sea Launch website at Sea Launch Home Page. Following repairs and recertification of all systems, the Sea Launch team will transition to mission operations in preparation for the launch of the Thuraya 3 satellite in October"
Sea Launch News Release - Sea Launch Awaits Delivery of new Gas Deflector
"Long Beach, Calif., July 23, 2007 – Sea Launch’s prime contractor for launch system ground support, the Design Bureau for Transport Machinery (DBTM) of Moscow, Russia, has completed fabrication of a new gas deflector for the Zenit-3SL launch system. The massive structure is expected to arrive in mid-August at Sea Launch Home Port, where it will be installed at the stern of the Odyssey Launch Platform, beneath the launch pad.
The gas deflector was destroyed during the failed January 30 launch attempt, when a Zenit-3SL vehicle lost thrust and impacted the structure. The gas deflector (also known as the flame deflector), is a one-of-a-kind, 280 metric ton steel structure, including truss supports, that directs engine exhaust away from the platform and controls the acoustic environment. DBTM managed construction of the replacement structure near the Baltisky shipyard in St. Petersburg, Russia, where the original deflector was manufactured.
Sea Launch is proceeding on schedule with repairs and re-certification of the Odyssey Launch Platform and associated launch support equipment. A team of specialists currently working on the Odyssey at the Victoria Shipyard in British Columbia, expects to complete the heavy industrial repair work and painting next week.
The construction of the gas deflector is considered a major milestone among these activities. Other completed work includes repair and installation of the platform’s hangar doors and communication antennas, and replacement of heat-affected wiring and cables. Sea Launch plans to conduct marine tests before returning to Home Port in Long Beach in August to resume work with the installation of the gas deflector. Progress of “Mission Recovery” is posted on the Sea Launch website at Sea Launch Home Page. Following repairs and recertification of all systems, the Sea Launch team will transition to mission operations in preparation for the launch of the Thuraya 3 satellite in October"
Well - I 've been searching searching for some document that would give me confidence that DIRECTV-11 is indeed PLANNED for December 2007 launch - and I have finally found an OFFICIAL document that supports it - actually an FAA document if you can believe it.
Lots of interesting stuff in this - but note the projected DIRECTV-11 launch date on the very last page of this document:
http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/media/3Q2007_QLR.pdf
WooHoo :up
No mention of ECHOSTAR XI for 2007.
Lots of interesting stuff in this - but note the projected DIRECTV-11 launch date on the very last page of this document:
http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/media/3Q2007_QLR.pdf
WooHoo :up
No mention of ECHOSTAR XI for 2007.
Isn't AMC-14 E* Satellite launch? The 1 right above Directv 11 on the last page.
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Yes - AMC-14 is a sat being launched in December and then leased for use by DISH. That is and has been confirmed to be on the 2007 launch schedule for quite some time from Baikonur.
Echostar XI is contracted for Sea Launch - separate issue altogether - and doesn't answer the question raised when Charlie mentioned having 2 sats launched for them THIS year.
well, scobuck, i seem to recall posting twice last week with official confirmation from the communications director at sea launch the following: directv11 december but no concrete date until luanch in october is successful. echostar 11 sometime in 2008.
Most of us remember that. Thanks for digging out that nugget for us, painful though it might be.
Wonderful - and thanks.
More information and additional official sources are good things - correct? I also think this qualifies as a source as you requested just a few days ago:
http://www.satelliteguys.us/968616-post76.html
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