New wave

The first commercial satellite to be launched from a modified oil rig has
reached orbit. The success is a major boost to Sea Launch, the Californian
company behind the idea of oceanic launch platforms. The firm wants to give
spacecraft operators cheaper access to launches from the equator, where the
Earth’s higher rotational velocity gives spacecraft an extra “kick”. As New
Scientistwent to press, American broadcaster DIRECTV said its satellite was
working fine after its launch on a Ukrainian Zenit rocket.