Atlas Rocket Lifts Off With Japanese Communications Satellite
POSTED: Thursday, April 15,
UPDATED: 12:30 am EDT April 16,
2004
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- An Atlas 2 AS rocket shot from its seaside pad Thursday night carrying into space a Japanese communications satellite.
The Boeing-built satellite, dubbed Superbird-6, is to provide business communications throughout Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Korea and Hawaii.Space Communications Corporation's Superbird-6 Program Manager Kazuhiko Aoki said the satellite will replace an older model already in orbit. That satellite, the Superbird-A, is expected to last a few more years and Aoki said the company is looking for a way to continue using it.The new bird will join a network of four satellites in orbit that currently provide services to 15 million households, Aoki said. Once in its proper orbit, the satellite will be renamed Superbird-A2The new satellite will allow the company to focus additional power wherever needed within the coverage area. The company plans to use the satellite to provide business telecommunications, high definition television and high data rate transmissions.The launch took place under an almost perfectly clear night sky aboard a 155-foot tall Atlas 2 AS rocket power by a kerosene and liquid oxygen-fueled Rocketdyne engine.The satellite, which has a life expectancy of 13 years, is to move into its final orbit over the coming week and become operational in mid-June.Aoki refused to disclose the cost of the mission, but said it was in line with similar launches aboard Atlas 2 AS rockets. Such missions typically cost about $250 million, including satellite, rocket, launch services and insurance.
The Boeing-built satellite, dubbed Superbird-6, is to provide business communications throughout Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Korea and Hawaii.Space Communications Corporation's Superbird-6 Program Manager Kazuhiko Aoki said the satellite will replace an older model already in orbit. That satellite, the Superbird-A, is expected to last a few more years and Aoki said the company is looking for a way to continue using it.The new bird will join a network of four satellites in orbit that currently provide services to 15 million households, Aoki said. Once in its proper orbit, the satellite will be renamed Superbird-A2The new satellite will allow the company to focus additional power wherever needed within the coverage area. The company plans to use the satellite to provide business telecommunications, high definition television and high data rate transmissions.The launch took place under an almost perfectly clear night sky aboard a 155-foot tall Atlas 2 AS rocket power by a kerosene and liquid oxygen-fueled Rocketdyne engine.The satellite, which has a life expectancy of 13 years, is to move into its final orbit over the coming week and become operational in mid-June.Aoki refused to disclose the cost of the mission, but said it was in line with similar launches aboard Atlas 2 AS rockets. Such missions typically cost about $250 million, including satellite, rocket, launch services and insurance.Copyright 2004 by News4Jax.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
An 11-year-old Gainesville girl called 911 and helped her mom deliver her newborn baby sister when the big moment came before they could get to the hospital.
A family still coming to grips with the death of two children at the hands of their father -- who then took his own life -- announced plans for a Sunday memorial service.
Tropical-storm warnings are issued for the Mexican coastline and a tentative forecast track predicted Tropical Storm Ida da could brush the U.S. Gulf Coast next week.
A Camden County High School senior scored a perfect 2400 on his SAT, amazing his teachers, parents and even himself.
Crime scene investigators took video of inside Quinn Gray's home the night she was reported missing. Detectives were looking for evidence. Gray claimed she was forced from her home at gunpoint and cops considered it a crime scene.
Police said Osmanovic and Gray spent several nights at a south metro motel, and on one particular morning, Osmanovic wore a recording device and said he was going back to the hotel room to be with Gray.
Sept. 9, 2008: Ponte Vedra Beach mother Quinn Gray describes her very physical relationship with the man she said abducted her.
Watch highlights from week 10 of the high school football season on Football Friday on 4.
Watch more highlights from week 10 of the high school football season on Football Friday on 4.
SEE IT, SNAP IT, SEND IT: Thousands of eyes and nearly as many cameras are pointed toward the sky over Jacksonville's beaches this weekend for the Sea & Air Spectacular.
An 800 square foot mobile home in Nassau County was destroyed by fire Tuesday night. Both residents in the home escaped safely.
Quinn Gray showed investigators marks on her arms and legs she said were the result of her kidnapping.
Slideshow
Capturing N.E. Florida's wanted suspects is a tough task, so the local station is trying to help with the Wheel of Justice. Every Thursday morning, the wheel spins and a wanted fugitive is profiled.
Images: Fugitives On 'Wheel'
An extimated 200,000 people came to NAS Jacksonville Sunday to see the annual air show.
Images From Air Show
Email Alerts
RSS News Feeds
Mobile
Live Streams
Slideshows
Video
Search
