The launch of
EchoStar VIII, a high-powered direct broadcast satellite built for
EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) by Space
Systems/Loral (SS/L) (NYSE:LOR), has been delayed.
During the final hours of the launch countdown on June 22nd, the
complete functionality of a command receiver could not be confirmed.
The satellite was scheduled to launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome
in Kazakhstan aboard a Proton K/Block DM launch vehicle provided by
International Launch Services (ILS). The launch will be rescheduled
following the completion of further satellite testing and availability
of the Baikonur launch base.
The launch delay will not result in any interruption to DISH
Network’s satellite service.
DISH Network is a trademark of EchoStar Communications
Corporation. DISH Network is EchoStar’s state-of-the-art direct
broadcast satellite TV system that is capable of offering over 500
channels of digital video and CD-quality audio programming, as well as
fully MPEG-2/DVB compliant hardware and installation. EchoStar is
included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) which contains the largest
non-financial companies on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
DISH Network currently serves over 7.16 million customers. For
more information, visit www.dishnetwork.com.
Space Systems/Loral is a premier designer, manufacturer, and
integrator of powerful satellites and satellite systems. SS/L also
provides a range of related services, including mission control
operations and procurement of launch services. Based in Palo Alto,
Calif., the company has an international base of commercial and
governmental customers whose applications include broadband digital
communications, direct-to-home broadcast, defense communications,
environmental monitoring, and air traffic control. SS/L is ISO 9001
certified. For more information, visit www.ssloral.com.
SS/L is a subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications (NYSE:LOR),
a high technology company that concentrates primarily on satellite
manufacturing and satellite-based services, including broadcast
transponder leasing and value-added services, domestic and
international corporate data networks, broadband data transmission,
and Internet services. For more information, visit Loral’s web site at
www.loral.com.
