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EchoStar satellite begins post-launch maneuversNov 26, 2012 (TELECOMWORLDWIRE via COMTEX) -- Space Systems/Loral said that the EchoStar XVI satellite, designed and built for EchoStar Corp. (NASDAQ: SATS) , was launched November 20, 2012 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 from the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan. "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 that is fully leased to DISH Network. It will provide a broad range of Direct-to-Home 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. EchoStar Corp. is the premier global provider of satellite operations and video delivery solutions. EchoStar's wholly-owned subsidiary, Hughes, is the world's 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, North America's #1 high-speed satellite Internet service, Sling Media's Slingbox 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, visit www.EchoStar.com. About Space Systems/Loral Space Systems/Loral, a subsidiary of MDA, has a long history of delivering reliable satellites and spacecraft systems for commercial and government customers around the world. As the world's 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. Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected] |