Space
Systems/Loral-Built EchoStar XI Satellite Deploys Solar Arrays On
Schedule
(16 July 2008) Space Systems/Loral
(SS/L), a subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications, and the world's
leading provider of high-power commercial satellites, today announced that the
EchoStar XI satellite, built for DISH Network, deployed its solar arrays early
this morning, following its successful launch last night from Sea Launch's
Odyssey Launch Platform on the equator in the Pacific Ocean.
The
20-kW direct broadcast satellite (DBS) is performing post-launch manoeuvres on
schedule as it continues its progress toward its in-orbit testing location. Its
final location in geosynchronous orbit will be 110 degrees West longitude. It
is the fourth SS/L-built satellite to be launched this year and the fifth
satellite that SS/L has provided to DISH Network.
"We trust Space
Systems/Loral to provide us with a spacecraft that helps us meet our business
objectives," said Rohan Zaveri, Vice President of Space Programs for DISH
Network. "After so much hard work, both of our companies can take great pride
in seeing the launch of this powerful satellite."
The satellite is based
on SS/L's highly reliable, high-heritage, 1300 spacecraft bus, which provides
the flexibility for a broad range of applications. Orbit raising operations are
being conducted from SS/L's Mission Control Center in Palo Alto,
Calif.
"The long term relationship between Space Systems/Loral and DISH
Network is built on our passion and commitment to delivering reliable and
technologically advanced spacecraft," said John Celli, president and chief
operating officer of Space Systems/Loral. "With the successful launch of
EchoStar XI, there are 55 SS/L-built geostationary satellites now in orbit and
more bits are transported over our satellites than over satellites from any
other manufacturer."
About DISH Network Corporation
DISH Network
Corporation provides more than 13.815 million satellite TV customers with
industry-leading customer satisfaction which has surpassed major cable
companies for seven years running. DISH Network customers also enjoy access to
a premier line of award-winning Digital Video Recorders (DVRs), hundreds of
video and audio channels, the most International channels in the U.S.,
industry-leading Interactive TV applications, Latino programming, and the best
sports and movies in HD. DISH Network offers a variety of package and price
options including the lowest all-digital price in America, the DishDVR
Advantage Package, high-speed Internet service, and a free upgrade to the best
HD DVR in the industry.
About Space Systems/Loral
Based in Palo
Alto, California, SS/L designs and builds satellites and spacecraft systems for
commercial and government customers around the world. As the leading provider
of high-power commercial satellites, the company works closely with satellite
operators to deliver spacecraft for a broad range of services including
direct-to-home television, digital audio radio, broadband Internet, and digital
multimedia broadcasting. With a 50-year history and more than 1,400 on-orbit
years logged, SS/L helps customers meet business objectives with advanced
solutions based on space-proven heritage designs.
About Loral Space
& Communications
Loral Space & Communications is a satellite
communications company. Through its Space Systems/Loral subsidiary, the company
is a world-class leader in the design and manufacture of satellites and
satellite systems for commercial and government applications including
direct-to-home television, broadband communications, wireless telephony,
weather monitoring and air traffic management. Loral also owns 64 percent of
Telesat Canada, one of the world's largest providers of satellite services.
Telesat Canada operates a fleet of telecommunications satellites used to
broadcast video entertainment programming, distribute direct-to-home video and
broadband data services, and other value-added communications
services.
(source: Space Systems/Loral)
