Monday evening (4-14) United Launch Alliance will be launching ICO G1 mobile communications spacecraft for ICO Global Communications. on a Atlas 5 rocket, designated AV-014 from Complex 41, Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Liftoff is targeted for 4:12 p.m. EDT. with a window extending to 5:12 p.m EDT. Spacecraft seperation happens 30 minutes after launch. ICO G1 is built by Space Systems/Loral, and stands over 27 feet tall, with a 39-foot-diameter mesh reflector antenna that will be unfurled in space and a pair of power-generating solar wings that will span over 100 feet tip-to-tip once extended in orbit. it will be the heaviest payload ever launched by an Atlas rocket weighing 14,625 pounds. ICO G1 will provide live television and navigation to drivers along with a network of ground repeaters. It will enable ICO to market an interactive media service combining live TV between 10 and 15 channels of live television with a lineup of news, sports, kids and general entertainment programming, enhanced navigation and emergency assistance across the United States starting next year. Satellite Broadcast Coordinates: Galaxy 26 (T6) @ 93.0°W Transponder 7C (3840 V) Analog. Testing begins at 3:30 p.m. EDT. Broadcast starts approx. 3:51 p.m. EDT. Don't have satellite TVRO system? a webcast of the launch is available at: http://www.ulalaunch.com/index_webcast.html Additional coverage at: http://www.spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av014/status.html http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/launches/next_launch.html -- Dishnut-P ==================================================================== Program Director of SSRN - Operator of RadioFree Dishnuts - Producer of The Dishnut News heard Saturdays at 10pm ET. on: RFD, The SkyScanner Satellite Radio Network on Galaxy-25 (Telstar 5) @97° W - Transponder 23 (12115 Vert) SR: 22425 APID: 1794 - WTND-LP 106.3, and many micro LPFM stations. http://dishnuts.net **In Loving Memory of Mom (Dishnut Gerry)**
