EchoStar XXIII Blasts into Orbit in SpaceX's

The EchoStar XXIII successfully launched into geostationary transfer orbit from the historic Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

EchoStar XXIII is a highly flexible Ku-band satellite based on Space Systems Loral's 1300 platform with four main reflectors and multiple sub-reflectors supporting multiple mission profiles. Initial commercial deployment of EchoStar XXIII will be at 45° West, and the Satellite End of Life (EOL) Power is 20 kilowatts (kW).

“This is the third satellite built for EchoStar by SSL to be placed on orbit since last June,” said John Celli, president of SSL. I would like to thank EchoStar, SpaceX and our own engineers and technicians who all worked as a team to make this launch a success.”

http://www.echostar.com

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DISH Acquires DBS and OTT Assets from EchoStar

DISH Network Corporation will acquire certain EchoStar assets and operations, including its EchoStar Technologies hardware and software development group, its national and regional uplink business, its managed fiber backhaul network serving all U.S. DMAs and its OTT development group, in exchange for DISH’s 80 percent economic interest in Hughes Retail Group held in the form of a tracking stock. The deal also transfers to DISH the 10 percent stake in Sling TV held by EchoStar, wireless spectrum licenses covering four markets in the 28 GHz band and certain real estate properties.

DISH will continue to market satellite broadband under the brand dishNET to rural customers.

“With this transaction we will vertically integrate all the elements that define our customer experience – one team will deliver the full DISH and Sling TV experience end to end,” said DISH President Erik Carlson. “Not only do we gain full control of product development roadmap for DBS and Sling TV but we also anticipate achieving operational efficiencies.”

http://www.dish.com

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EchoStar Picks Lockeed Martin for Jupiter 2 Launch in 2016

The EchoStar XIX communications satellite is scheduled to launch in late 2016 on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

EchoStar XIX, also known as JUPITER 2, is a large, multi-spot beam Ka-band satellite that will help meet the growing demand for HughesNet high-speed satellite internet service in North America. The satellite, built by SSL in Palo Alto, California, is designed to provide service for 15 years or longer.

“This is an important launch to HughesNet customers and the Atlas V rocket makes it an ideal choice for this launch,” said Steve Skladanek, president of Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services. “The Atlas program brings unmatched performance, reliability and schedule assurance for EchoStar and Hughes.”

http://www.echostar.com/NewsEvents/PressReleases/PressRelease.aspx?prid=31394

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EchoStar Acquires Solaris Mobile, a Holder of European Satellite License

EchoStar Corp. has acquired 100% ownership of Solaris Mobile Ltd., a mobile satellite services (MSS) operator based in Dublin, Ireland and one of the European Union licensees of mobile satellite service with a complementary ground component (S band).  Financial terms were not disclosed.  Solaris Mobile is a joint venture between Eutelsat and SES.

Solaris Mobile is deploying a satellite and terrestrial network for wholesale access to enhanced mobile communications across Europe in the 30 MHz S band licensed to Solaris Mobile.  In connection with the acquisition, EchoStar has entered into an agreement with Solaris Mobile to provide it with MSS capacity on a new next-generation MSS satellite.

"Through this acquisition and our mobile satellite infrastructure expertise, we look forward to accelerating advanced mobile services throughout the European Union," said Anders Johnson, president, EchoStar Satellite Services. "We are excited to build upon the groundwork laid by Solaris Mobile by most immediately bringing with us access to a next generation MSS satellite which will support a wide range of innovative services across the European Union."

http://www.echostar.com
http://www.solarismobile.com

• In May 2009, the European Commission awarded Solaris Mobile the right to operate satellite & terrestrial services in S-Band in all EU member states. S-Band is spectrum in the 2GHz band and is adjacent to UMTS used by mobile 3G operators. 

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