SEA LAUNCH
 




 

Is intended for launches of spacecraft by means of Zenit-2SL and Zenith - 3SL LVs into orbit from any point of World ocean, including near-equator zone.

The complex floating means consist of:

Launch platform (LP) "Odysseus" - analog of Zenith ground launch complex for sea conditions, developed on the basis of self-propelled half-submerged platform for the oil-extraction industry;
Assembly/command ship (ACS) - analog of ground technical complex and Zenit LV control center, adapted for sea conditions.
Floating measuring complex Selena.

During development of the technological equipment the documentation developed for launch and technical complexes of Zenith LV was used. However the sea launch specificity has brought a number of changes in Zenith space launch complex structure:

The launch device has the two-slope flame duct;
Transportation/installation unit (TIU) is self-propelled with electric drive;
The design of the functional checks unit is changed;
The specificity of technological systems and communications installation on sea ships is taken into account;
The safety margins for the equipment are increased, storm fastening is installed;
The components in tropical version are installed into technological systems structure;
The specificity of work with commercial satellite, including requirements for rooms and termostating air cleanliness are taken into account.

The technological equipment of launch complex is placed on half-submerged sea platform with the dimensions - 78x66 m, height 48,5 m and displacement - 40 thousand ton. The complex provides storage of the LV on TIU in the hangar during the LP moving to the launch area, delivery and installation of the LV on the launch pad, fueling, prelaunch preparation and launch. The management of works on LP from fueling till launch operations is carried out by a complex of the automated control systems on the radio channel with ACS without presence of the personnel on the launch platform.

The technical complex is placed on the assembly/command ship and is intended for reception of the LV stages, boosters and satellites, mating and tests, reload of the checked-out LV on the conveyor and transfer it to the LP. On ACS there can be two assembled LVs simultaneously.