Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that the EchoStar XVI satellite, designed and built for EchoStar Corporation (SATS), was launched yesterday and is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard a Proton Breeze M launch vehicle provided by International Launch Services (ILS) from the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan. The satellite will begin firing its main thruster tomorrow in order to start maneuvering into geosynchronous orbit.
“EchoStar and SS/L have a long history of collaboration and teamwork,” said John Celli, president of Space Systems/Loral. “The power and capability of EchoStar XVI to deliver high-definition television services is a testament to this ongoing relationship and we are pleased to see the satellite successfully launched.”
EchoStar XVI is a high power 20-kilowatt direct broadcast satellite (DBS) that is fully leased to DISH Network. It will provide a broad range of Direct-to-Home (DTH) services in the United States. It has CONUS and spot beam transponders and will be positioned at 61.5 degrees West longitude.
EchoStar XVI is based on the highly reliable Space Systems/Loral 1300 space-proven platform, which has the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. The spacecraft is designed to deliver service for 15 years or more. With this launch, there are 72 SS/L-built satellites currently on orbit.
About EchoStar Corporation
EchoStar Corporation (SATS) is the premier global provider of satellite operations and video delivery solutions. EchoStar’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Hughes, is the world’s leading provider of satellite broadband services, delivering network technologies and managed services for enterprise and government customers in more than 100 countries. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, with additional business units world-wide, EchoStar is a multiple Emmy award-winning company that has pioneered advancements in the set-top box and satellite industries for nearly 30 years, consistently delivering value for customers, partners and investors through innovation and outstanding quality. Over the last three decades EchoStar’s contribution to video technology has been a major influencer to shifts in the way consumers view, receive and manage TV programming. EchoStar’s consumer solutions include HughesNet(R), North America’s #1 high-speed satellite Internet service, Sling Media’s Slingbox(R) products, and EchoStar’s line of advanced digital video set-top box products for the European free satellite and terrestrial viewer markets. For more information, please visit www.EchoStar.com.
About Space Systems/Loral
Space Systems/Loral, a subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA), has a long history of delivering reliable satellites and spacecraft systems for commercial and government customers around the world. As the world’s leading provider of commercial satellites, the company works closely with satellite operators to provide spacecraft for a broad range of services including television and radio distribution, digital audio radio, broadband Internet, and mobile communications. Billions of people around the world depend on SS/L satellites every day. For more information, visit www.ssloral.com.
About MDA
MDA is a unique global communications and information company providing operational solutions to commercial and government organizations worldwide. MDA’s business is focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential. In addition the Company conducts a significant amount of advanced technology development. MDA’s well-established global customer base is served by more than 5,000 employees operating from 18 offices located in the United States, Canada, and internationally.
