A Boeing Delta II successfully launched the Thor III satellite for Telenor Satellite Services of Norway, lifting it into geosynchronous transfer orbit from Space Launch Complex 17 here at 8:35 p.m. EDT.
The satellite, built by Hughes Space and Communications International.,
Inc. for Telenor, will enhance television services in the Nordic
countries and other parts of Europe. The estimated life span for
Thor III is 11.5 years.
Hughes contracted with Boeing last year for today's launch. Thor III
joins Thor I and Thor II both successfully launched into orbit by
Boeing Delta II rockets.
"We're three for three," said Jay Witzling, Boeing vice president,
Delta II and Titan programs. "A Hughes satellite on a Delta rocket
is a winning combination," said Witzling, "with the biggest winner
being Telenor and the people they serve."
"Today's launch represents another successful partnership with Hughes
and Boeing," said Arve Johansen, managing director and CEO, Telenor
International AS. "The addition of Thor III positions Telenor as a
leading provider of direct-to-home television programming covering
Scandinavia and central and eastern Europe."
Thor satellites I, II and III will add additional capacity for
television, telephone and data information services to Telenor's
international communication system.
