Saab Ericsson Space announced Monday it is delivering new modular payload adapters to Land Launch for its commercial Zenit launches in 2007 from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
The modular adapters enable satellite owners and launch operators to make last-minute changes by employing a set of standardized components that make commercial satellites fit a number of different launchers. The payload adapter for Land Launch missions could be used on the Sea Launch system, for example, and other launchers as necessary.
Land Launch will lift two medium-weight commercial satellites to geosynchronous transfer orbit next year using a Zenit-3SLB vehicle from Baikonur. SES will provide two payload adapter systems – including harness, purging lines and initiators – for the satellites, PanAmSat-11 and Horizon-2, which were built by Orbital Sciences.
The contract also includes fit-check and assistance at launch site, the company said.
