Sea Launch has been selected to launch the Intelsat 27 communications satellite in early 2013. Intelsat 27 will be placed into an optimized geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) utilizing the highly-proven Sea Launch Zenit 3SL launch system.

The launch will occur from Sea Launch's launch platform Odyssey at its equatorial launch site, located at 154 degrees West longitude, in the international waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Built by Boeing Satellite Systems Inc., the 702-MP Intelsat 27 satellite will serve Intelsat's customers throughout the Americas and Europe, and will provide increased and enhanced capacity for media, network and government services. It will be located at 304.5 degrees East, and is designed for 15 years of service.

At the time of lift-off, the spacecraft will weigh approximately 6,241 kilograms, making it the heaviest spacecraft to be lifted by the Sea Launch Zenit-3SL launch system.

"Following on to our recent announcement on the award of the Intelsat 21 launch, Sea Launch looks forward to working hard towards the successful launch of Intelsat 27 in early 2013," said Kjell Karlsen, President of Sea Launch.

"With the continued support of our parent organization, RSC Energia, Sea Launch is regaining momentum and executing on its Business Plan."

"With six satellites scheduled for launch in the next year, a diversity of reliable solutions for Intelsat's access to space is essential," said Thierry Guillemin, Intelsat's SVP and Chief Technical Officer.

"We are pleased to rely on Sea Launch once again to support some of these critical missions."

Sea Launch and Intelsat signed a multiple launch services agreement for up to five missions on the Sea Launch system in 2010.