PACIFIC BRIEFS

Rocket launch aborted

HONOLULU, Hawaii (PIR) – Monday’s planned launch of a Russian rocket carrying a U.S. broadcasting satellite from a sea platform in the Pacific was cancelled at the last minute by the rocket’s computer.

Sea Launch consortium officials said the lift off was terminated during the countdown when a “possible minor out-of-specification condition was discovered on the satellite.”

The offshore launch pad is located in international waters near the Kiribati island of Kiritimati (Christmas Island).

A new launch attempt has been set for February 28.
Sea Launch is owned by space and aviation companies from the U.S., Russia, the Ukraine and Norway.

Westpac buys Bankoh shares

APIA, Samoa (Pacific Islands Report) – Westpac Banking Corporation has purchased Bank of Hawaii’s share holding interest in Pacific Commercial Bank.

The purchase increases Wespac’s share holding in the Samoa bank from 42 percent to 85 percent.

Westpac’s chief executive in the Pacific, Alan Walter, said the purchase demonstrates the company’s confidence in Samoa’s strong economy.

He said the transfer should not disrupt customer service at the branches.