SPACE LAUNCH COMPLEX SEA LAUNCH

Space launch complex Sea Launch is intended to launch spacecraft by means of Zenit-3SL launch vehicles into a variety of orbits, including GEO, from any point on the World ocean including near-equator zone, which enables to use the energy of Earth rotation to the maximum possible extent.

KBTM's part in this project was to develop technological equipment and technological systems for the Launch Platform (LP), Assembly command ship (ACS) and Home Port (HP).

The Sea Launch complex incorporates:

	Launch Platform, which is an analog of Zenit ground launch complex, adapted for sea conditions, developed on the basis of a self-propelled half-submerged platform for the oil extraction industry;
	Assembly/command ship, which is an analog of Zenit ground technological complex and central control post, adapted for sea conditions.

However, sea launch specific features have introduced a number of changes in Zenit space launch complex:

	new two-slope flame duct;
	self-propelled erector;
	safety margins of equipment were increased and storm fastening was introduced;
	provision was made for the specifics of operation on commercial spacecraft, etc.

Technological equipment of the launch complex is located on the Launch Platform with upper deck measuring 75x133m, 42m high and with displacement of 40,000 tons. The launch complex provides storage of the LV during transit to the launch site, LV installation onto the launch pad, fueling, prelaunch preparation and launch.

From the moment when the gates of assembly unit open until launch all operations on the Launch Platform are controlled by automated system over radio channel with the attending personnel transferred to the command ship.

Technical complex is located on the Assembly/command ship and designed for receiving of stages, upper stage boosters are spacecraft, their matting and check-out, reloading of the tested LV to carrier vessels and its delivery to the Launch Platform. ACS can carry two integrated launch vehicles.

A total of 4 launches has been performed since the first launch in March 1999.