[Satellite Today 04-22-09] Sea Launch has successfully launched Telespazio’s Sicral 1B communications satellite, the launch provider announced April 20.
    The Sicral 1B payload includes one EHF/Ka band, three UHF-band transponders and five active SHF-band transponders. Designed for a 13-year lifespan as part of a new communications satellite system dedicated to national security, Sicral IB, built by Thales Alenia Space, will be positioned in its final orbital location at 11.8 degrees East longitude.
    This event marks Sea Launch’s 30th mission from sea since operations began in March 1999.