Sea Launch is scheduled to loft the Galaxy 16 communications satellite into orbit for Panamsat Corp. June 17. The launch, aboard a Zenit-3SL rocket, is scheduled for 3:50 a.m. EDT June 17 from Sea Launch’s floating platform at 154 degrees West on the equator.

Galaxy 16, built by Space Systems/Loral, will replace Galaxy 4R and carries 24 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders that will cover the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and Canada from its orbital position at 99º West.

Sea Launch will carry live satellite feed of the Galaxy 16 mission on its Web site beginning at 3:35 a.m. EDT.