A Zenit-3SL rocket lifted off from the Sea Launch platform today, carrying a Telstar 18 satellite into orbit. The rocket launched at 0359 UTC (11:59 pm EDT June 28), but a glitch put the satellite into a transfer orbit that was lower than expected. Engineers think that they should still be able the satellite into its final orbit using station-keeping thrusters, which will shorten its lifespan. Telstar 18 will provide broadcast satellite services to East Asia and the Pacific Ocean.