ILS Proton Launch of SES-5 Satellite Postponed

BAIKONUR COSMODROME, Kazakhstan, June 20, 2012 – The launch of an ILS Proton launch vehicle with the SES-5 satellite was postponed today for technical reasons with the launch vehicle. The satellite is being launched for SES of Luxembourg and was built by Space Systems/Loral. The launch date will be determined at a later time.

On June 18, Khrunichev engineers at the launch site received an out of tolerance telemetry reading on a first stage subsystem during pre-flight testing. However, based on additional pre-flight testing performed on June 19, it was determined that further investigation is necessary, requiring the launch vehicle be returned to the processing hall for additional testing. The vehicle and satellite remain in a safe configuration at the launch site.

Updated information will be posted on the ILS web site, www.ilslaunch.com, as it becomes available.