Main Engine Cut OffS7 Orders 12 Zenit Vehicles
Interfax, on the newly-owned Sea Launch ordering more vehicles:
On April 28, Pivdenmash and S7 Sea Launch Limited signed a contract for manufacturing and supplies of 12 carrier rockets of the Zenit family for space exploration and use for peaceful purposes as part of the Sea Launch and the Land Launch international programs, the press service said.
“A great step in overcoming the deep crisis, in which Pivdenmash has been since 2013 and which was caused by a dramatic drop in output, was made by signing of this contract,” the press service said.
I’m very curious to see how the second life of Sea Launch will play out.
Relatedly, I haven’t been too kind to Antares lately, but this is actually good news for Orbital ATK. Zenit and Antares share a manufacturer, so the manufacturing of Antares’ first stage has been a major source of distress. Any additional work for the companies involved in Antares should help Orbital ATK breathe a bit easier, but this all really highlights the unsustainable and ill-fit nature of Antares.