NSS-8 was a Dutch telecommunications satellite that was destroyed during launch. It was a Boeing 702 spacecraft with 56 C-band and 36 Ku-band transponders, and it was part of the SES NEW SKIES.

NSS-8
OperatorSES New Skies
Mission duration15 years (planned)
Failed to orbit
Spacecraft properties
BusBSS-702
ManufacturerBoeing
Launch mass5,920 kilograms (13,050 lb)
Start of mission
Launch date30 January 2007, 23:22 (2007-01-30UTC23:22Z) UTC
RocketZenit-3SL
Flight 24
Launch siteOdyssey
ContractorSea Launch
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeGeostationary
Longitude57° East
EpochPlanned
Transponders
TWTA power18 kW

The satellite, which was insured, was destroyed when the rocket that was launching it exploded. The rocket was a Zenit 3SL being launched by Sea Launch from its Ocean Odyssey launch pad. The launch attempt occurred at 23:22 GMT on 30 January 2007. "There was an explosion as we were lifting off," said Paula Korn, a spokeswoman for Sea Launch.[1][2]

NSS-8 was designed to support a wide range of functions, including broadcast applications, government and military operations, corporate communications and Broadband Internet services. When placed in its final orbital position (57° E), the satellite would have provided coverage to two-thirds of the planet, serving countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and Asia.

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