[Satellite Today — 1-3-08] Sea Launch will make its next attempt to launch the Thuraya-3 satellite Jan. 15, Sea Launch announced.
    Sea Launch attempted to conduct the mission, the first since the launch operator suffered a failure in January 2007, in November, but the effort was unsuccessful due to unusually strong currents at the launch site. Sea Launch has increased power and fuel capabilities on its launch platform and evaluated the use of existing margins on identified launch parameters in order to enhance its potential to perform the mission.
    Thuraya-3, designed by the Boeing Co., will provide a range of mobile voice and data services over large geographic regions. Thuraya Satellite Communications Co. will expand commercially into the Asia-Pacific market when Turaya-3 becomes operational.