International Launch Services (ILS) and Eurockot have boosted their launch books with new contracts, while attempts by Kosmotras to commercialise the Dnepr booster are flagging.
ILS has won a contract from Japan's Space Communications to launch the Boeing Satellite Systems-built Superbird 6 communications satellite in October 2003 aboard the final Atlas IIAS booster. Superbird 6's slot was made available by the DirecTV 5 satellite switching to a Proton launch.
ILS says it plans to make 12 commercial launches next year using Atlas and Russian Proton boosters, including the maiden flight of the Atlas V in May or June. Up to 14 launches by Proton boosters are planned from Baikonur next year, including up to seven by ILS, says Russia.
Euro-Russian launch company Eurockot, meanwhile, has won a contract from Japan to launch into a 1,000kg (2,200lb) sun-synchronous orbit the Space Environment Reliability Verification Integration System (SERVIS) satellite aboard a Russian Rockot-based booster from Plesetsk in 2003. Eurockot's orderbook now numbers 11 satellites, comprising six E-Sats, two Graces, two Iridiums and SERVIS 1.
Meanwhile, the Russian Dnepr booster - a modified RS-20 intercontinental ballistic missile operated by Kosmotras - is performing less well after the collapse of the low Earth orbit satellite market. The third commercial mission by the Russian Dnepr booster, carrying Italian and US satellites from Baikonur, has been delayed from late this year to 2002 after a German satellite's place on the launch was cancelled.
The Dnepr was being aimed commercially at cluster launches of up to eight small satellites, but Kosmotras now expects just two commercial launches a year rather than the 20 previously predicted.
Source: Flight International
