Posted: Thu, Feb 17, 2005, 7:23 AM ET (1223 GMT)
The launch of a Zenit 3SL rocket carrying a XM Satellite Radio spacecraft was delayed 24 hours because of sea conditions. The Zenit 3SL was scheduled to lift off from the Sea Launch Odyssey platform on the Equator in the Pacific Ocean Wednesday evening, but the launch was postponed 24 hours because of "unfavorable sea conditions." The launch has been rescheduled for Thursday at 10:53 pm EST (0353 GMT Friday). 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:

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