Communications
Telstar 18, launched June 28, 2004 aboard a Sea Launch Zenit-3SL rocket, has successfully reached its in-orbit testing position at 142 degrees East longitude. During the satellite's launch, the Zenit rocket's upper stage shut down 54 seconds early and released the satellite into a low orbit. After the launch, engineers at Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) raised the spacecraft to its correct orbit using a series of carefully planned satellite maneuvers and thruster burns.
Orbital Attempt
#4,663
SL Mission
#14
Pad Launch
#14
Location Launch
#15
Designator
2004-024
Jun 29, 2004, 3:58 AM
1 update
Total Launches
40
Total Landings
0
Coordinates
0.0000, -154.0000
Length
4.6 m
Diameter
0.42 m
Launch Mass
0 t
Thrust
45 kN
LEO Capacity
0 kg
GTO Capacity
0 kg
Reusable
No
Maiden Flight
1999
Fastest Turnaround
1mo 20d
Total Launches
36
Successful
33
Failed
3
Consecutive Success
1
Maiden flight: Mar 28, 1999