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Google Sightseeing takes you on tour of the world as seen from satellite, using the free Google Earth program, or Google Maps in your web browser. Each weekday your guides James and Alex present new weird and wonderful sights as suggested by readers.

The editors: James & Alex

Sea Launch

Posted by James Turnbull, Tuesday, 18th October 2005

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The satellite launch system “Sea Launch” is moored in the Long Beach Harbor, Long Beach, California.

Satellites are launched from the “Odyssey Launch Platform”, a semi-submersible former oil rig, after it has been towed out to the equator. The platform is accompanied by “Sea Launch Commander”, the Scottish-built ship moored just to east, which provides mission control and crew accomodation.

For more on Sea Launch see the official site.

SeaLaunch

Thanks: Luke Crook, Mikhail & Monkey

Countries: California

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2 Responses to 'Sea Launch'

  1. pooms says:
    Wednesday, 19th October 2005 at 5:56 pm

    very cool, I’d seen this in the Long Beach Harbor images but didn’t realize that it was Sea Launch. thanks!

  2. nova72 says:
    Monday, 10th November 2008 at 9:39 pm

    The platform is no longer on GoogleMaps imagery. However, LiveMaps has some pretty awesome shots of both the vessel and the launch platform. Check it.

    http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=pmqrr054f33g&style=o&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=7046828&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1