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TransOrbital, Inc and International Space company (ICS)Kosmotras today announced a "perfect launch" of TransOrbital's "Trailblazer" satellite at 8pm Russian time. The launch represents a major milestone in TransOrbitals much -anticipated routine lunar delivery service. Today's launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan of the "Trailblazer" into low Earth orbit was pronounced a total success by TransOrbital president Dennis Laurie. The mission was designed to test rocket separation, downlink telemetry, spacecraft orientation and mass properties in preparation for the formal lunar launch. Vladimir A Andreev, Director General of ICS Kosmotras said "We are excited about teaming with TransOrbital's first commercial development of the Moon. ICS Kosmotras Dnepr LV SS-18 ICBM provides a proven cost effective technology for lunar launches. TransOrbital is on target to begin routine Moon travel starting in October 2003. Laurie stated "Significant commercial demand exists for high definition (HD) video, lunar mapping, data storage, scientific research, communications, and data archiving. Many corporate marketers see their products associated with the first commercial missions to the Moon". "Additionally, there is worldwide demand from private citizens to send personal items such as photographs, legal documents, business cards, burial ashes, and jewelry to the Moon" TransOrbital is the first and only commercial company licensed by the U.S. Department of State, and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA) for private sector flights to the Moon. Sir Arthur C. Clarke noted visionary and renowned writer praised the mission and commented "all good wishes on TransOrbital's successful TrailBlazer launch" Support for the Trailblazer program has been provided by a number of companies including Lunar Enterprise Corporation and Space Age Publishing TransOrbital, Inc. is a privately owned supplier of aerospace design, analysis and launch services. Established in 1998, TransOrbital is the first company of its kind authorized by the U. S. government to photograph, explore and land on the lunar surface. The 2003 Trailblazer spacecraft's primary mission is to return HDTV video and other multimedia content from lunar orbit to market as commercial products, as well as the delivery of both personal and commercial cargo to the moon. ICS Kosmotras activities under the Dnepr program are covered by special decrees by both the Russian and Ukrainian governments. The Dnepr LV is the worlds most powerful SS-18 ICBM. Unique for a light class launch vehicle, the Dnepr is able to deliver 3,500 - 4000 kg of payload into low earth orbit. Related Links TransOrbital ICS Kosmotras SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express 
TransOrbital Signs Up With Russia's Dnepr For Lunar Shots
San Diego - Dec 17, 2002On November 26, 2002 agreements were executed in Moscow, Russia between the International Space Company, Kosmotras and the private United States company TransOrbital, Inc., for use of a series of Dnepr launch vehicles on the first commercial missions to the Moon. |
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