Space Systems/Loral, a subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications [LOR] has signed an agreement with Sea Launch to launch the Telstar 8 satellite in 2002.

The rocket will lift the 5500-kg Telstar 8 into a geosynchronous transfer orbit. The bird will carry 92 transponders with a total end-of-life power of 16 kw. The payload will include Ku-band, C-band and Ka-band transponders, providing coverage across North and South America.