[Satellite News 02-26-09] Sea Launch has begun preparations for the launch of the Telstar 11N communications satellite Feb. 26 from the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan, the company announced Feb. 25.
    The launch of the Zenit-3SLB vehicle will occur within a two-hour window opening at 18:30 GMT).  The rocket will deliver Telstar 11N, built by Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) to geosynchronous transfer orbit at 37.5 degrees West. With 39 Ku-band transponders, Telstar 11N will provide capacity over the Atlantic Ocean for a range of video and data applications connecting North America, Europe and Africa.
    The launch is a collaborative project between Sea Launch and Space International Services of Moscow.