In-orbit Testing of the EchoStar XXI Satellite Successfully Completed
New Satellite Will Enable Enhanced Mobile Connectivity for Europe
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. and DUBLIN, Aug. 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS) today announced the successful completion of in-orbit testing and handover of the EchoStar XXI satellite from manufacturer Space Systems Loral (SSL) to EchoStar's satellite operations team who manages flight operations via EchoStar XXI's primary satellite earth station located in Griesheim, Germany and a secondary station in Rambouillet, France.
Located at the geosynchronous orbital location of 10.25° East longitude, EchoStar XXI carries a state-of-the-art S-band Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) payload that will enable EchoStar subsidiary EchoStar Mobile Limited, with commercial operations headquartered in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, to provide mobile connectivity for small and medium-sized enterprises, large corporations and government agencies throughout Europe.
"We are pleased to announce that EchoStar XXI has passed several critical milestones since launch, including successful deployment of the 18-meter reflector and completion of in orbit testing," said Anders Johnson, executive director of EchoStar Mobile Limited and president of EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C. "The capacity that EchoStar XXI will provide to the EchoStar Mobile satellite-based network will enable reliable, IP-based MSS connectivity for voice and data throughout Europe, including all 28 members of the European Union."
With the completion of in-orbit testing of the satellite, EchoStar Mobile and EchoStar-subsidiary Hughes Network Systems Europe have begun the process of end-to-end integration of the satellite and terrestrial network. EchoStar Mobile is scheduled to launch commercial services across the European Union upon completion of this integration, scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2017. As previously announced, EchoStar Mobile services will be provided in association with partners, including European-wide distribution provided by U.K.-based Bentley Walker.
EchoStar XXI was launched on an ILS Proton Breeze M launch vehicle from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan on June 8, 2017 at 06:45 AM local time (June 7 at 11:45 PM EDT time). With the launch of EchoStar XXI, the EchoStar fleet now numbers 26 owned, leased and managed satellites.
About EchoStar Satellite Services
EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C., a subsidiary of EchoStar Corp., is a world-class satellite operator with a fleet of 26 owned, leased and managed satellites. EchoStar Satellite Services delivers reliable and innovative solutions to the satellite industry, providing satellite communications infrastructure and services to media and broadcast organizations, pay-TV operators, enterprise customers and U.S. Government and military service providers. For more information, visit echostarsatelliteservices.com.
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 small and medium-sized enterprises, large corporations and government agencies. For more information, visit echostarmobile.com.
About EchoStar
EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS) is a premier global provider of satellite communication solutions. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., and conducting business around the globe, EchoStar is a pioneer in secure communications technologies through its Hughes Network Systems and EchoStar Satellite Services business segments.
For more information, visit echostar.com. Follow @EchoStar on Twitter.
SOURCE EchoStar Corp.
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