Posted: Fri, Feb 18, 2005, 7:19 AM ET (1219 GMT)
The launch of an XM Satellite Radio spacecraft on a Zenit 3SL was delayed again Thursday because of wind and sea conditions. The launch, already delayed 24 hours because of rough seas, was pushed back again because of a "combination of current, waves, [and] wind", according to the Sea Launch web site. No new launch date has been announced. The rocket will place into orbit XM-3, a new digital radio satellite for XM Satellite Radio. The satellite will serve as a partial replacement for the company's two existing satellites, XM-1 and 2 (also known as "Rock" and "Roll"), launched in 2001. Those satellites are still in operation but are expected to gradually lose power because of a flaw in the solar power system. The launch will be the first for the multinational Sea Launch consortium since a June 2004 launch that placed its payload in a low orbit when the booster's upper stage shut down prematurely.

Related Links:

•  RIA Novosti article
•  Spaceflight Now launch status center
•  Sea Launch current launch status page