The ODYSSEY

ODYSSEY (launch platform)
Isle of Man # (2002) 37p

The ODYSSEY is a self-propelled, semi-submersible launch platform. She was originally modified from the Northern Sea offshore drilling rig, OCEAN ODYSSEY, which was built in Japan in 1982. In 1989, the platform was damaged by fire and one person was killed. Some time later, ODYSSEY was partially dismantled, and in 1991-1992, she was modernized at the Vyborg Shipyard.

Later, the decision was made to convert ODYSSEY into the launch platform. The conversion project was carried out in two phases. The first phase, from late 1995 to May 1997, Kvaerner Rosenberg of Stavanger, Norway, extended the length of the platform and added a pair of support columns and additional propulsions. A superstructure was erected on the upper deck to accommodate the launch pad and LV service hangar.

Life-support facilities and LV service equipment were put in place. All of the vessel's systems were installed, including a powerful electricity generating station, living quarters, and various service rooms.

In May 1997, the ODYSSEY arrived at Kvaerner Vyborg Shipyard and the second phase of the project began: the installation of LV-related segment equipment. The following are just some examples of more than 3,000 tons of structures and automated rocket handling equipment installed by the shipyard:

• a launch table,
• a fueling system with storage facilities for fuel and oxidizer,
• a thermostatic system,
• an automatic system of launch preparation sequence control,
• a transporter-erector designed to carry an LV to the launch table and erect it; and
• a flame deflector assembled under the launch pad.

On June 23, 1998, ODYSSEY left Vyborg and arrived at the port of Long Beach, California on Oct. 4, 1988. After the platform passed autonomous tests and integrated trials,, the first Zenit-3SL launch from ODYSSEY, controlled from the Sea Launch command ship, was successfully made on March 28, 1999.

SEA LAUNCH COMMANDER (assembly and command ship)
Isle of Man # (2002) 37p

The SEA LAUNCH COMMANDER is one of the most high-tech, civilian ships in the world. It’s mission is to launch communication satellites using Russian-built rockets. Considering the intricacies inherent to rocket launching, the ship needs to remain on-station with pinpoint accuracy, hence is equipped with a dynamic positioning system driving a retractable Kamewa azimuth thruster. The Assembly and Command Ship serve as a rocket assembly factory, while providing the mission control facilities, crew and customer accommodations for 240 people during sea-based launches.

An analysis of the space launch services market indicates that space launches conducted from the near-equator zone is one way to improve the efficiency of launch vehicles designed to place satellites into geostationary orbits and reduce payload delivery costs.

In the fall of 1997, SEA LAUNCH COMMANDER sailed for Russia, where special equipment for handling rocket segments, command and control, was installed and tested. She arrived at Long Beach on July 13, 1998, its homeport.

Here the senior partner in SL, Boeing Corporation of Seattle, assembles the spacecraft, the fairing and the satellite. Boeing also markets SL launches to American satellite manufacturers, particularly Hughes and Loral.

Together the ships accommodate the various Russians, Ukrainians, Norwegians, Americans and others responsible for the launch operations. Although registered in Liberia and crewed primarily by Filipinos, both vessels remain under Kvaerner's control.

Timeline:

Summer 1993: Exploratory discussions occur.
Spring 1994: Initial Sea Launch studies begin.
April 1995: Sea Launch is formed.
December 1995: Hughes signs first order. Ship construction commences.
July 1996: Hughes commits to three more launches. Space Systems/Loral orders five satellite launches.
August 8, 1996: Groundbreaking held for Home Port in Long Beach, California.
December 1996: Command ship completed and launched from Kvaerner shipyard in Scotland.
May 1997: Launch platform sails from Norway to Russia.
September 1997: Sea Launch Commander christened.
May 1998: Modifications to Sea Launch Commander and the Odyssey completed in Russia.
June 12, 1998: Sea Launch Commander leaves St. Petersburg, Russia for Long Beach, carrying the first two Sea Launch vehicles.
June 20, 1998: The Odyssey leaves Russian shipyard for Long Beach.
Summer/Fall 1998: Vessels arrive at Home Port; final preparations begin.
March 1999: First launch - Demonstration Payload.
October 1999: First commercial launch - DIRECTV 1-R
February 2000: PanAmSat commits to launch of Galaxy IIIC with four options.
March 12, 2000: Unsuccessful launch of the ICO F-1 communications satellite
May 9, 2000: Contract signed for two launches for AssureSat
July 26, 2000: Contract signed with Space Systems Loral for launch of Telstar-8
July 28, 2000: Launch of PAS-9 broadcast communications satellite
October 20, 2000: Launch of Thuraya-1 mobile communications satellite, heaviest commercial payload in history.

The Galaxy IIIC mission was successfully completed on June 15, 2002. A Sea Launch Zenit-3SL rocket lifted off precisely on time at 3:39:30 pm PDT from the Odyssey Launch Platform and inserted PanAmSat's Galaxy IIIC satellite into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. While the 4850 kg (10,692 lb) satellite was designed for a 15-year lifespan, this exceptionally accurate launch is expected to yield additional years of life on orbit. Built by Boeing Satellite Systems, Galaxy IIIC will provide Internet, video, audio and data services to the United States and Latin America.

Source:
www.milparade.com/1999/33/076;
http://spaceflightnow.com/sealaunch/thuraya1
/001018ships.html;

D. Rodlie; Lloyd’s, 2002; Jane’s Space Directory, 2000.

Dan Rodlie
Editor; Watercraft Philately

 

 

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