Sea Launch Current Launch page

Payload Processing Facility

Payload Processing Facility as seen from the Sea Launch Commander

The PAS-9 satellite prior to shipment from Hughes.

Payload Processing Facility as seen from Sea Launch pier under full moon.

Delivery of spacecraft to Sea Launch Home Port
The PAS-9 satellite arrived at Sea Launch Home Port in Long Beach, Calif., on June 12, in preparation for the launch. All electrical and environmental systems were checked out and activated in the Payload Processing Facility. The spacecraft was fueled and then encapsulated in the fairing. Boeing builds the fairing and payload adapter in a facility just outside of Seattle, Wash. These components are shipped to Home Port in Long Beach. After the spacecraft is mated to the adapter, they are both encapsulated inside the payload fairing.