| NSS-8 | |
| Operator: | SES New Skies |
| Mission Duration: | 15 years (planned) Failed to orbit |
| Spacecraft Bus: | BSS-702 |
| Manufacturer: | Boeing |
| Launch Date: | UTC |
| Launch Rocket: | Zenit-3SL Flight 24 |
| Launch Site: | Odyssey |
| Launch Contractor: | Sea Launch |
| Orbit Epoch: | Planned |
| Orbit Reference: | Geocentric |
| Orbit Regime: | Geostationary |
| Orbit Longitude: | 57° East |
| Apsis: | gee |
| Trans Twta: | 18 kW |
NSS-8 was a Dutch telecommunications satellite that was destroyed during launch. It was a Boeing 702 spacecraft with 56 C-band and 36 Ku-band transponders, and it was part of the SES NEW SKIES.
The satellite, which was insured, was destroyed when the rocket that was launching it exploded. The rocket was a Zenit 3SL being launched by Sea Launch from its Ocean Odyssey launch pad. The launch attempt occurred at 23:22 GMT on 30 January 2007. "There was an explosion as we were lifting off," said Paula Korn, a spokeswoman for Sea Launch.[1] [2]
NSS-8 was designed to support a wide range of functions, including broadcast applications, government and military operations, corporate communications and Broadband Internet services. When placed in its final orbital position (57° E), the satellite would have provided coverage to two-thirds of the planet, serving countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and Asia.