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Zenit rocket puts Inelsat-21 satellite into target orbit

The device replaces on the orbit Intelsat-9, and will provide direct satellite communication for residents in Latin America

Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

KOROLEV /Moscow region/, August 19 (Itar-Tass) —— Zenit-3SL Booster, launched on Sunday at 10:55 Moscow from the Sea Launch mobile pad, put into target orbit Intelsat-21 communications satellite.

"At 11:25 Moscow time, Intelsat-21 telecommunications satellite separated from launch vehicle Zenit-3SL”, Energia Rocket and Space Corporation told Itar-Tass.

Intelsat-21 manufactured by American Boeing is designed to operate for 15 years. The device replaces on the orbit Intelsat-9, and will provide direct satellite communication for residents in Latin America.

Zenit-3SL consists of the upper stage Zenit-2S block produced at Ukraine’s Yuzhmash /Dnepropetrovsk/ design bureau and of a DM-SL block of Russia’s Energia Rocket and Space Corporation. The cargo department with the satellite in protecting cover is located in the bow of the ship. The launch control operates remotely and is located on the vessel, which is six kilometres from the floating platform.

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