Updated: Sat, Mar 30, 2002, 9:39 PM ET (0239 GMT)
Originally Posted: Sat, Mar 30, 2002, 2:28 PM ET (1928 GMT)
A Russian Proton booster launched an Intelsat communications satellite Saturday afternoon. The Proton K lifted off from Baikonur at 12:25 pm EST (1725 GMT) and placed into transfer orbit the Intelsat 903 communications satellite. The satellite was lpaced into geosynchronous orbit later Saturday using the Blok DM upper stage. Intelsat 903, a Space Systems/Loral 1300-series spacecraft, will be stationed at 34.5 degrees west longitude, will provide C- and Ku-band broadband and video services for portions of North and South America, Europe, and Africa. The launch was the first commercial Proton launch, arranged by International Launch Services, since June 2001.

Related Links:

•  SPACE.com article
•  ILS press release
•  Spaceflight Now launch status center
•  Intelsat 903 information