[Preparations are underway for the launch of telecommunications the satelite Intelsat 27.]

Bern, Switzerland -- The Sea Launch vessels have departed Sea Launch Home Port in Long Beach, Calif., for the equator, in preparation for the launch of the Intelsat 27 satellite. Liftoff is scheduled for 22:56 Pacific Standard Time on January 30, 2013 (06:56 UTC, on January 31st) at the opening of the 58-minute launch window.

Upon their arrival at the launch site at 154 degrees West longitude, the Sea Launch team will initiate a 72-hour countdown. After ballasting the launch platform Odyssey to launch depth, the team will roll out and erect a Zenit-3SL rocket on the launch pad, execute final tests and proceed with fueling operations and launch. Prior to fueling, all personnel on the launch platform will transfer to the Sea Launch Commander for the duration of the mission. The team monitors both marine and launch operations remotely from the ship, positioned about four miles up range of the platform.

On launch day, the Zenit-3SL vehicle will lift the 6,215-kilogram (13,702 lbs.) Intelsat 27 spacecraft into geosynchronous transfer orbit. Based on the Boeing 702MP mid-level power platform, Intelsat 27 is designed to provide 15 or more years of satellite service. The satellite will support customers in North America, South America, the Atlantic Ocean region and Europe, and will host a UHF communications payload for use in military applications. The launch will mark Intelsat's completion of the world's first global broadband mobility platform, which will provide uninterrupted connectivity to customers at sea, on land and in the air.

Intelsat 27 will be located at the 304.5 degrees East orbital position currently occupied by Intelsat 805 and Galaxy 11.

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