Ukraine delivers first carrier rocket to resume Sea Launch program

15.04.2011 Ukraine to deliver first Zenit-3SL carrier rocket to the US in May with a view to resume Sea Launch program, reports ITAR-TASS referring to director of Ukraine's state space agency Yury Alekseyev.

"Sea Launch program is to be resumed this year after a 2-year break. It is planned to carry out two launches since the third quarter of 2011", he said.

Last time carrier rocket Zenit-3SL was launched by a sea-based platform in the Pacific Ocean in Apr 2009. That was the 30th launch under the Sea Launch program started in 1999. The project operator – international consortium Sea Launch – in May 2010 reported about development of an anti-crisis plan.

Carrier rockets made with Ukraine's participation are expected to be launched in 2001, pointed out Alekseyev. The first launch of Zenit-3 was carried out in Jan 2011 with Russian-made upper stage Fregat. First launch of American Torus-2 carrier rocket is also expected in this year; Ukraine produces primary stage for this rocket.