Customer Communications on JCSAT-11
 
 11 September 2007
  
 SUBJECT: Proton Unsuccessful Launch of JCSAT-11: Initial Status Report
  
 I would like to convey an early communication following the unfortunate loss of the JCSAT-11 spacecraft due to an anomaly following the first- and second-stage separation of the Proton. This is obviously a significant disappointment for ILS in an otherwise very successful year. We share the disappointment with JSAT, LMCSS (manufacturer of the JCSAT-11 spacecraft) and the many others who contributed to this mission. We have extended our apologies to all who worked hard to make this mission happen.
  
 Immediately following the unsuccessful Proton launch of the JCSAT-11 spacecraft on 6 September at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, a Russian State Commission, lead by Anatoly Perminov-Director of Roscosmos, was formed to review all available data and begin its formal failure investigation. Within hours of the failure, a Debris Recovery Team was dispatched to the impact area at the remote location downrange within Kazakhstan. Recovery and safing efforts continue on-site with team members from ILS and Khrunichev in accordance with contingency plan procedures and with the full cooperation of local authorities. In the meantime, ILS is establishing its Failure Review Oversight Board (FROB), which will be chaired by Jim Bonner, ILS Vice President of Operations. The FROB will meet and review the findings and recommendations of the Russian State Commission once these are available, which from past experience is on the order of 30-45 days. This is, of course, largely dependent upon the nature of the anomaly and quality of the flight data. We will be diligent about keeping you informed of events as they occur throughout this review process.
  
 Finally, on behalf of the ILS team and our partner, Khrunichev, I wish to note our true appreciation to ILS customers conveying sympathy and understanding in the immediate aftermath of this failure. The review of determination of root cause and recommended corrective actions will be conducted with dispatch and determination. Return to flight status will be made only after we are completely satisfied that all appropriate measures have been taken and we can once again resume launching Proton with full confidence of continuing with mission success.
 
 Sincerely,
  
 
  
 Frank McKenna
 President
  
 (Click here to open a PDF version of this letter.)
  
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