# Zenit-3SL

> expendable carrier rocket

**Wikidata**: [Q8727455](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q8727455)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zenit-3SL)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/zenit-3sl

## Summary
The Zenit-3SL is an expendable carrier rocket classified as a rocket model within the Zenit family. Manufactured by the Pivdenne Design Office in Ukraine, it is designed for the purpose of launching satellites. This vehicle has been utilized to deploy a wide array of payloads, including commercial communications satellites for international operators and military spacecraft.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Defined as an expendable carrier rocket and a specific rocket model.
- **Rocket Family:** A subclass of the Zenit class of rockets.
- **Manufacturer:** Produced by the Pivdenne Design Office.
- **Origin:** Country of origin is Ukraine.
- **Aliases:** Also known by the alias "Зени́т".
- **Database Identifiers:** Freebase ID is /m/05t0zhq.
- **Online Presence:** Has a sitelink count of 15 across Wikimedia projects.
- **Wikipedia Integration:** The Wikipedia title is "Zenit-3SL" with an associated Commons category.
- **Language Coverage:** Wikipedia articles exist in 14 languages: bjn, commons, cs, en, gl, he, id, lv, pl, pt, ru, sl, uk, and zh.
- **Visual Asset:** An associated image is hosted at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Sea_Launch_01.jpg.

## FAQs
**Who manufactures the Zenit-3SL?**
The Zenit-3SL is manufactured by the Pivdenne Design Office, and its country of origin is Ukraine.

**What type of rocket is the Zenit-3SL?**
It is an expendable carrier rocket and a member of the Zenit rocket class, specifically categorized as a rocket model.

**What kinds of payloads has the Zenit-3SL launched?**
The rocket has launched a diverse range of payloads, including communications satellites for Eutelsat, Intelsat, and DirecTV, as well as military satellites like the Italian SICRAL 1B and radio satellites for SiriusXM.

**Is the Zenit-3SL documented internationally?**
Yes, the rocket has significant documentation across 14 different languages on Wikipedia and has a dedicated category on Wikimedia Commons.

## Why It Matters
The Zenit-3SL serves as a critical launch vehicle for the global telecommunications industry, facilitating the deployment of satellites that enable broadcasting, communications, and navigation services worldwide. Its payload history includes supporting major operators like Intelsat, Eutelsat, and DirecTV, underscoring its reliability in delivering commercial assets to orbit. Additionally, its capability to launch specialized military and scientific payloads, such as the SICRAL 1B and Inmarsat 4-F2, highlights its strategic importance in both defense and civilian space sectors.

## Notable For
- **Eutelsat Deployments:** Launching the Eutelsat 70B and Eutelsat 3B communications satellites.
- **Intelsat Missions:** Transporting Intelsat 19, Intelsat 21, Intelsat 9, and Intelsat 27.
- **DirecTV Fleet:** Deployment of DirecTV-11, DirecTV 7S, and DirectTV 1-R.
- **Galaxy Series:** Launching multiple satellites in the Galaxy series, including Galaxy 16, Galaxy 18, Galaxy 19, Galaxy 23, Galaxy 28, and Galaxy 3C.
- **Canadian Communications:** Delivering the Telstar 14 and Telstar 18 satellites for Canadian communications.
- **Radio Broadcasting:** Launching the XM-1, XM-2, XM-3, and XM-4 satellite radio communications satellites operated by SiriusXM.
- **Military Support:** Deploying the SICRAL 1B, an Italian military communication satellite.
- **Geostationary Satellites:** Transporting geostationary and geosynchronous satellites such as EchoStar X, EchoStar XI, and Spaceway F1.
- **Regional Operators:** Launching the Koreasat 5 satellite for South Korea and the Thuraya 1, 2, and 3 satellites.
- **Anomalous Mission:** Involvement in the launch of NSS-8, a Dutch telecommunications satellite that was destroyed.
- **Other Payloads:** Deployment of the Atlantic Bird 7, Horizons 1, Inmarsat 4-F2, JCSAT-5A, and the Sealaunch Demo.

## Body

### Classification and Origin
The Zenit-3SL is categorized as an expendable carrier rocket and functions as a specific instance of a rocket model. It belongs to the Zenit class of rockets, which are utilized for launching satellites. The vehicle originates from Ukraine and is manufactured by the Pivdenne Design Office. It is also referred to by the alias "Зени́т".

### Technical Identity and Documentation
This rocket model is documented extensively across various knowledge bases and Wikimedia projects. It holds a Freebase ID of /m/05t0zhq and possesses a sitelink count of 15. The primary Wikipedia entry is titled "Zenit-3SL," and it is associated with a specific category on Wikimedia Commons. Documentation for the Zenit-3SL is available in 14 distinct languages: bjn, commons, cs, en, gl, he, id, lv, pl, pt, ru, sl, uk, and zh. An official image of the rocket is available at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Sea_Launch_01.jpg.

### Payload History and Launch Record
The Zenit-3SL has a prolific history of deploying a wide variety of satellites, primarily focused on communications and broadcasting.

**Commercial Communications Satellites**
The rocket has served as a launch vehicle for numerous commercial entities. It deployed the Eutelsat 70B and Eutelsat 3B satellites for Eutelsat. For Intelsat, it launched Intelsat 19, Intelsat 21, Intelsat 9, and Intelsat 27. The DirecTV network utilized the Zenit-3SL for DirecTV-11, DirecTV 7S, and DirectTV 1-R. The rocket also placed the Galaxy series satellites into orbit, including Galaxy 16, Galaxy 18, Galaxy 19, Galaxy 23, Galaxy 28, and Galaxy 3C.

**Regional and National Operators**
Several regional operators have relied on the Zenit-3SL. It launched the Telstar 14 and Telstar 18, both identified as Canadian communications satellites. The Thuraya series of communications satellites (Thuraya 1, Thuraya 2, and Thuraya 3) were also deployed by this vehicle. For South Korea, the rocket launched the Koreasat 5 communications satellite. Additionally, it deployed the Atlantic Bird 7 communications satellite.

**Radio and Geostationary Payloads**
The Zenit-3SL played a significant role in the deployment of satellite radio infrastructure. It launched the XM-1, XM-2, XM-3, and XM-4 satellites, all operated by SiriusXM (with XM-1 and XM-2 noted as decommissioned). It also delivered geostationary and geosynchronous satellites such as EchoStar X and EchoStar XI (both United States geostationary communications satellites), as well as Spaceway F1 and Horizons 1.

**Military and Specialized Missions**
Beyond commercial applications, the rocket has handled specialized payloads. It launched the SICRAL 1B, an Italian military communication satellite. It also deployed the Inmarsat 4-F2 satellite. The Zenit-3SL was involved in the mission for the NSS-8, a Dutch telecommunications satellite that was subsequently destroyed. Other payloads include the JCSAT-5A communications satellite and the Sealaunch Demo.