(Associated Press via NewsEdge) A Boeing-built satellite for mobile voice and data services was placed in orbit by a rocket launched from a floating platform in the Pacific Ocean.
The 11,381-pound Thuraya-3 satellite took off from a spot on the equator as part of a mission to expand Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications's coverage in the Asia Pacific region.
Thuraya CEO Yousuf Al Sayed said in a statement that the launch will allow the company to begin major expansion plans in the first quarter of 2008.
The company, based in the United Arab Emirates and founded in 1997, serves 110 countries.
The launch by Long Beach-based Sea Launch was 'perfect,' said Sea Launch spokeswoman Paula Korn. Boeing, which built the satellite in El Segundo, Calif., said it was 'healthy and operating as designed.'
The satellite separated from the booster over the Pacific north of New Zealand and first signals were received by a station in Fillmore, Calif.
Unusually strong currents that affected Sea Launch's oceangoing launch platform foiled the first attempt in November. The self-propelled platform and the command ship had to return to home port in Long Beach, resupply and sail back to the launch site.
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