NSS-8
Operator | SES New Skies |
---|---|
Mission duration |
15 years (planned) Failed to orbit |
Spacecraft properties | |
Bus | BSS-702 |
Manufacturer | Boeing |
Launch mass | 5,920 kilograms (13,050 lb) |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | 30 January 2007, 23:22 UTC |
Rocket |
Zenit-3SL Flight 24 |
Launch site | Odyssey |
Contractor | Sea Launch |
Orbital parameters | |
Reference system | Geocentric |
Regime | Geostationary |
Longitude | 57° East |
Epoch | Planned |
Transponders | |
TWTA power | 18 kW |
NSS-8 was a Dutch telecommunications satellite that was destroyed during launch. It was a Boeing 702 spacecraft with 56 C-band and 36 Ku-band transponders, and it was part of the SES NEW SKIES.
The satellite, which was insured, was destroyed when the rocket that was launching it exploded. The rocket was a Zenit 3SL being launched by Sea Launch from its Ocean Odyssey launch pad. The launch attempt occurred at 23:22 GMT on 30 January 2007. "There was an explosion as we were lifting off," said Paula Korn, a spokeswoman for Sea Launch.[1][2]
NSS-8 was designed to support a wide range of functions, including broadcast applications, government and military operations, corporate communications and Broadband Internet services. When placed in its final orbital position (57° E), the satellite would have provided coverage to two-thirds of the planet, serving countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and Asia.
References
External links
See also
Wikinews has related news: Zenit rocket explodes on launch pad |