DirecTV 7S Closer to Launch

[Gregg Lengling]

The launch of DirecTV's next satellite - DirecTV 7S - is moving at a quicker pace.

According to Sea Launch and its Web site, the Odyssey Launch Platform, the ocean-based pad that will launch the satellite, has departed its home port in Long Beach, Calif. Departure of the Sea Launch Commander, which will coordinate the flight of DirecTV 7S, is scheduled to leave today, the Web site states.

Sea Launch will fly DirecTV 7S from the Pacific Ocean aboard a Zenit-3SL rocket. The sea-based crew is expected to reach the launch site later in the month, and DirecTV 7S is expected to lift off sometime early in May.