Operator SES New Skies Reference system Geocentric Longitude 57° East Launch date 30 January 2007 Launch site Odyssey Manufacturer Boeing | Contractor Sea Launch Regime Geostationary Launch mass 5,920 kg Rocket Zenit-3SL Bus Boeing 702 | |
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Mission duration 15 years (planned)
Failed to orbit Similar NSS‑7, NSS‑9, CFESat, Spaceway‑3, USA‑195 | ||
NSS-8 was a Dutch telecommunications satellite that was destroyed during launch. It was a Boeing 702 spacecraft with 56 C-band and 36 Ku-band transponders, and it was part of the SES NEW SKIES.
The satellite, which was insured, was destroyed when the rocket that was launching it exploded. The rocket was a Zenit 3SL being launched by Sea Launch from its Ocean Odyssey launch pad. The launch attempt occurred at 23:22 GMT on 30 January 2007. "There was an explosion as we were lifting off," said Paula Korn, a spokeswoman for Sea Launch.
NSS-8 was designed to support a wide range of functions, including broadcast applications, government and military operations, corporate communications and Broadband Internet services. When placed in its final orbital position (57° E), the satellite would have provided coverage to two-thirds of the planet, serving countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and Asia.