On this mission, Sea Launch deployed the Galaxy IIIC satellite for the PanAmSat Corporation, based in Wilton, Conn. Positioned in Geostationary Orbit at 95 degrees West Longitude, the satellite provides widespread Internet, video, voice and data services to areas of the United States, Latin America and South America. Galaxy IIIC operates dual frequencies and includes 24 C-band transponders and 53 Ku-band transponders. The satellite's C-band payload transmits general telecommunications traffic, such as voice, data and television relay. The Ku-band transponders transmits direct-to-user services, such as cable television systems and Internet capabilities.

Built by Boeing Satellite Systems (BSS) of El Segundo, Calif., the 702 model spacecraft is the largest and most powerful model in the BSS line, using state-of-the-art technologies in propulsion, power generation and thermal control. To provide 15 years of service, the Boeing 702 carries the flight-proven xenon ion propulsion system (XIPS) for all on-orbit maneuvering.

With this mission, PanAmSat completed its $2-billion fleet modernization program, the culmination of years of work and the deployment of nearly 500 new transponders. Galaxy IIIC was the seventh and final launch of this program. PanAmSat is a leading provider of global video and data broadcasting services via satellite and has one of the world's largest commercial geostationary satellite networks.

Sea Launch lifted the Galaxy IIIC satellite to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. The spacecraft is positioned at 95 degrees West Longitude in Geostationary Orbit at 22,236 miles (35,786 km) above the Earth. The weight of the spacecraft, fully fueled at the time of launch, was approximately 10,692 lb (4850 kg).

About two-and-a-half minutes after liftoff, the first stage separated and a minute later, the payload fairing jettisoned. About six minutes later, the second stage separated from the Block DM, or upper stage. After the first burn of the Block DM engines, the spacecraft coasted for 32 minutes. Following this coast, the Block DM made a second burn and then separated from the spacecraft about 11 minutes later, at 1,385 miles above the Indian Ocean. Boeing Satellite Systems acquired a signal from the spacecraft from a ground station in Western Australia about 67 minutes after liftoff.

Launch Platform being readied for departure on May 31

Launch Platform departs Home Port on May 31.

The crew on the Sea Launch Commander scrubs up the Link Bridge in preparation for operations with the Launch Platform.

Members of the launch team relax with a challenging game of chess.

Dr. Aliev and others during Monday's rehearsal.

Dave Hutsell, Lead Scientific Photographer, tests his equipment to capture this mission.

The view of the bridge as the Sea launch Commander departs from Home Port, June 3.

Sea Launch families wave goodbye to loved ones.

Anatoliy Kapinus and Rick Laurie. Anatoliy is a member of the Ukrainian launch team from SDO Yuzhnoye, and Rick is Senior Manager of Launch Services for PanAmSat and Spacecraft Mission Manager for the Galaxy IIIC mission.

Don Carter, Vice President and Manager of Operations, bids farewell to Home Port.

Learning to be safe - the passengers and crew of the Sea Launch Commander execute a safety drill.

Catering staff aboard the Sea Launch Commander awaits guests for a customer dinner.

Rehearsals in the Launch Control Center.

PanAmSat customer representative Rick Laurie and BSS Launch Day Director Ron Dukat during rehearsal.

The sunsets have been spectacular, and everyone has made an effort to enjoy them.

Boeing Launch crew members Jack Ma and Dani Dunfee discuss work issues during the spectacular sunset Sunday night.

Mission Director Steve Thelin takes notes during rehearsal 3...

At L-72 hours, members of the launch team traditionally gather around the countdown clock in Hawaiian shirts to mark the occasion of the start of the countdown.

Balloon launches test the atmospheric conditions at many altitudes.

The Assembly and Command Ship (ACS) Sea Launch Commander.

The Launch Platform (LP) Odyssey steams to the Launch Site (aft view).

The Launch Platform (LP) Odyssey steams to the Launch Site (side view).

A Pacific Ocean sunrise.

Sunrise on the Launch Platform... on a rainy morning at the Equator.

On June 14, one day before launch, the rocket was rolled out of its hangar

SUCCESS! Galaxy IIIC lifts off at 3:39:30 P.M. PDT from the Odyssey Launch Platform.