Odyssey Launch Platform En Route to Home Port

LONG BEACH, Calif., Feb. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- The Odyssey Launch Platform and the Sea Launch Commander have left the launch site at the Equator and are returning to Sea Launch Home Port in Long Beach, California, following the unsuccessful launch on January 30.

In the process of verifying her seaworthiness, the marine crew has confirmed that the Odyssey's main structures are in good condition and marine systems are operational. Like the Sea Launch Commander, the Odyssey is currently in transit to Home Port under her own power and at normal speed, and is expected to make a timely return.

Sea Launch is developing the necessary plans and procedures to fully assess the damage to the Launch Platform and implement the necessary repairs required for re-certification to ensure a safe, thorough and efficient return to reliable service. While the final assessment will be completed when the Launch Platform arrives at Home Port, the most notable findings at this time are the loss of the flame deflector, located below the launch pad, and the position of the aft doors of the hangar, which are off of their supports. This hangar houses and protects the transporter-erector support structure during launch operations. Preliminary assessments indicate that other Launch Support Equipment is in good condition.

"We look forward to having our people home," said Rob Peckham, president of Sea Launch. "Our team has witnessed first hand the robustness of the Launch Platform, which was designed and built to withstand a full range of conditions, including off-nominal scenarios. The inherent strength of this vessel, combined with the safe and professional response of the launch team, characterizes a system that is capable of operating in the most demanding of conditions, for the purpose of serving our customers."

About Sea Launch Company

The Sea Launch Company, LLC, headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., provides heavy lift launch services to the commercial market. With the advantage of a launch site on the Equator, the Zenit-3SL rocket can lift a heavier spacecraft mass or provide longer life on orbit, yielding best value plus schedule assurance. Sea Launch offers the most direct and cost-effective route to geostationary orbit. For additional information and images, please visit the Sea Launch website at: www.sea-launch.com