MISSION OVERVIEW
Telstar 18, launched June 28, 2004 aboard a Sea Launch Zenit-3SL rocket, has successfully reached its in-orbit testing position at 142 degrees East longitude. During the satellite’s launch, the Zenit rocket’s upper stage shut down 54 seconds early and released the satellite into a low orbit. After the launch, engineers at Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) raised the spacecraft to its correct orbit using a series of carefully planned satellite maneuvers and thruster burns.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Zenit
AGENCY
Sea LaunchMISSION
Telstar 18
MISSION TYPE
Communications
TARGET ORBIT
Geostationary Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Launch Platform Odyssey
LAUNCH SITE
Sea LaunchCOUNTRY
RUS
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 8691646e-5bf0-464c-976a-5443faaf0948
Reported date: Jun 29, 2004 at 03:58 UTC
Last synced: 4 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE
MANUFACTURER
Sea Launch
VARIANT
3SL
FLIGHTS
36
SUCCESSES
33
SUCCESS RATE
91.7%
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Zenit | Telstar 18 launch?
The Zenit | Telstar 18 is scheduled for Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 3:58 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Telstar 18?
The Zenit | Telstar 18 mission uses the Zenit rocket, manufactured by Sea Launch. The Zenit has flown 36 times with a 91.7% success rate.
Where is the Zenit | Telstar 18 launching from?
The launch takes place from Launch Platform Odyssey at Sea Launch.
What orbit is Telstar 18 going to?
The Telstar 18 mission is targeting Geostationary Orbit.
Who is launching Telstar 18?
The Zenit | Telstar 18 is operated by Sea Launch.
Can I watch the Zenit | Telstar 18 launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Mar 29, 2026 01:07 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 01:07 UTC
Launch date set: Jun 29, 2004 at 03:58 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Sea Launch
Mar 29, 2026 01:07 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Sep 10, 2018 22:00 UTC
Photos: Falcon 9 rocket blasts off with Telstar 18 VANTAGE comsatSpaceflight Now
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 4 minutes ago
●Launch Library 24 minutes ago
Launch ID: 8691646e-5bf0-464c-976a-5443faaf0948
●Spaceflight News API35 minutes ago
3 articles matched
●Open-Meteo Weather23 hours ago
Pad weather at 0, -154
Mission Profile
Telstar 18 was a Zenit 3SL mission operated by Sea Launch that lifted off from Launch Platform Odyssey, Sea Launch on June 29, 2004. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Geostationary Orbit. The launch was a success.