Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, today announced that the EchoStar XXI satellite, designed and built for EchoStar Corporation (SATS), has arrived at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, where it will be launched aboard a Proton Breeze M vehicle provided by International Launch Services (ILS). The satellite will be used for mobile voice and data communications services in Europe.
“EchoStar and SSL have worked together for two decades,” said John Celli, president of SSL. “Over that time we have established a long history of teamwork and trust. Our partnership on EchoStar XXI is a reflection of this successful relationship, which has resulted in a very advanced and complex satellite now ready for launch.”
EchoStar XXI is an S-band satellite for next-generation Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) that will be located at 10.25° East longitude. It features a large unfurlable reflector that will deploy like an umbrella after the satellite is in orbit. Based on the SSL 1300 platform, the satellite is designed to provide service for 15 years or more.
EchoStar subsidiary EchoStar Mobile Limited will utilize a portion of EchoStar XXI’s capacity to provide mobile satellite services (MSS) capacity throughout the European Union. EchoStar Mobile is an EU-wide licensee for an integrated mobile satellite service network with a complementary ground component.
“SSL has been a key manufacturing partner for many years, and continues to support our fleet expansion,” said Anders Johnson, executive director of EchoStar Mobile and president of EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C. “We are pleased that EchoStar XXI is now at launch base and look forward to next month’s launch.”
SSL has built more than a dozen satellites for EchoStar and its affiliates, including EchoStar XVIII, which successfully launched in June. In addition to EchoStar XXI, there are currently two other SSL-built satellites for EchoStar in preparation for launch between Q4 2016 and Q1 2017.
About EchoStar
EchoStar Corporation (SATS) is a premier global provider of satellite and video delivery solutions. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., and conducting business around the globe, EchoStar is a pioneer in communications technologies through its EchoStar Satellite Services, EchoStar Technologies and Hughes Network Systems business segments.
For more information, visit echostar.com. Follow @EchoStar on Twitter.
About EchoStar Mobile Limited
EchoStar Mobile Limited, a subsidiary of EchoStar Corp., is a mobile operator providing connectivity across Europe. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, EchoStar Mobile provides access to a hybrid satellite and terrestrial network enabling enhanced mobile voice and data communications for businesses, government agencies and consumers. For more information, visit echostarmobile.com .
About SSL
Space Systems Loral (SSL) is a leading provider of commercial satellites with broad expertise to support satellite operators and innovative space related missions. The company designs and manufactures spacecraft for services such as direct-to-home television, video content distribution, broadband internet, mobile communications, and Earth observation. As a Silicon Valley innovator for more than 50 years, SSL’s advanced product line also includes state-of-the-art small satellites, and sophisticated robotics and automation solutions for remote operations. For more information, visit www.sslmda.com .
