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Sea Launch Secures $12 Million in Funding From Space Launch Services

By Doug Messier
Parabolic Arc
March 22, 2010

SEA LAUNCH PRESS RELEASE

Sea Launch received final approval on March 17 from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware on its motion to secure a second tranche of debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing in the amount of $12 million from Space Launch Services, LLC (SLS). SLS also provided the first tranche of DIP financing in the amount of $12.5 million to Sea Launch, pursuant to an earlier court order dated December 3, 2009.

Sea Launch, a leading provider of launch services to the commercial satellite industry, received interim approval from the court earlier this month for this second tranche of the DIP credit facility, which is providing working capital for continued Sea Launch operations while the company proceeds through its Chapter 11 reorganization. Sea Launch is planning to submit its Plan of Reorganization to the court shortly, as a step toward emerging from Chapter 11 status.

The company is also completing a comprehensive plan for a revised and revitalized supply chain management structure with its partner organizations to assure timely and cost-effective hardware deliveries and related infrastructure support. This element is an essential factor in the company’s emergence and success going forward. Sea Launch is also engaged in discussions with interested investor groups to secure exit financing intended to provide a strong foundation for transitioning from bankruptcy to a healthy and reliable launch services provider.

Space Launch Services is providing financing to Sea Launch in collaboration with Excalibur Almaz (www.excaliburalmaz.com), and is working to provide exit financing, as well as equity investment in a reorganized Sea Launch, for the purpose of sustaining reliable commercial access to space.

About Sea Launch Company

Sea Launch Company, LLC, headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., offers the most direct and cost-effective route to geostationary orbit for commercial communications satellites. Sea Launch also offers Land Launch services for medium weight satellites, with launch operations originating from the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan. For additional information, please visit the company website at: www.sea-launch.com.

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