A Sea Launch rocket today
successfully launched PanAmSat’s Galaxy IIIC satellite into orbit.
Marking Sea Launch’s seventh successful mission, the three-stage
rocket lifted off at 3:39:30 P.M. PDT from the Odyssey Launch
Platform, positioned on the Equator. As planned, the spacecraft’s
first signal was acquired shortly after spacecraft separation, at
16:41 PDT (23:41 GMT).

Built by Boeing Satellite Systems, the 10,692 lb. (4850 kg) 702 model
spacecraft is designed for a 15 year lifespan in Geostationary Orbit.
The satellite will provide Internet, video, audio and data services to
the United States and Latin America.

"The launch of Galaxy IIIC commemorates the second time Sea Launch has
successfully placed a PanAmSat satellite in orbit," said Jim Maser,
president of Sea Launch. "Our international team has recognized
PanAmSat’s continued confidence in our launch performance and we look
forward to working with them again in the near future."

The Zenit-3SL vehicle lifted off from the Odyssey Launch Platform on
schedule from the equatorial launch site at 154 degrees West
Longitude. All systems performed nominally throughout the flight. The
Block DM upper stage separated from the spacecraft about 1,385 miles
above the Indian Ocean, 61 minutes after liftoff. Operators acquired a
signal from Galaxy IIIC from a ground station in Western Australia.
Galaxy IIIC will have a final position in Geostationary Orbit at 95
degrees West Longitude.

PanAmSat is a leading provider of global video and data broadcasting
services via satellite. The company builds, owns and operates networks
that deliver entertainment and information to cable television
systems, TV broadcast affiliates, direct-to-home TV operators,
telecommunications companies and corporations. Based in Wilton, Conn.,
PanAmSat has one of the world’s largest commercial geostationary
satellite networks.

Sea Launch Company, LLC, based in Long Beach, Calif., provides
reliable, cost-effective, heavy lift launch services for commercial
satellite customers. The international members include Boeing (U.S.),
Kvaerner (Norway), RSC Energia (Russia) and SDO Yuzhnoye / PO Yuzhmash
(Ukraine). Established in 1995, Sea Launch has a current backlog of 17
firm launch contracts. As the world’s only services provider launching
from the Equator, Sea Launch offers the optimal starting point for
spacecraft heading to Geostationary Orbit. For additional information,
visit the Sea Launch website at www.sea-launch.com.