IDXA (Independence-X Aerospace) is planning a test launch in October 2011 from a 3 degrees latitude proposed launch site. Altitude and test payload mass is to be determined. There are many benefits to launch from near the equator (of ZERO degrees latitude), among them are the highest attainable initial tangential velocity of the launch vehicle due to the earth's rotation which makes any particle on the surface of the equator travels faster than in northern or southern hemispheric region. Nevertheless it makes the orbital insertion of a space craft to LEO (Lower Earth Orbit) or GEO (Geostationary Earth Orbit) much easier. Lesser propellant will be burnt for this operation, due to lesser orbital plane change as it is already on the perfect plane. This theory is proven right by well known space launch organizations and companies from all over the world.

-Space X launches from Omelek Island, Kwajelein, US Marshall Territory at 9 degrees latitude.
-ArianneSpace of ESA launches from Korou, French Guiana at 5 degrees latitude.
-SEALaunch of USA, Russia, Ukraine, and Norway launches from the Pacific Ocean on a modified oil rig platform at 0 degrees latitude.

Cheers!

kind regards
Izmir Yamin
IDXA