Russia's space industry and Boeing have resumed market viability studies on conducting NPO Yuzhnoye Zenit launch vehicle flights from Baikonur cosmodrome as part of the Land Launch project.
In a three-stage configuration the Zenit-3SL, using an RKK Energia DM-SL booster, is used for the Boeing-led Sea Launch project. Land Launch would use a two-stage version of the Zenit. The studies are being resumed after eight commercial Sea Launch flights - the latest launching the 5,212kg (11,480lb) Thuraya communications satellite - pushing the project past break-even. Sea Launch has firm orders for eight more flights.
A partnership with Boeing may lead to more frequent use of the rarely used Zenit launch pad, says Yuri Koptev, general director of the Rosaviakosmos aerospace agency.
Source: Flight International
