Space Systems/Loral to Build Two More EchoStar Direct Broadcast Satellites
siliconinvestor.com
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 10, 2000--Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a Loral Space & Communications (NYSE: LOR) company,
announced that it has been awarded a contract to build two more satellites, EchoStar VIII and EchoStar IX, for EchoStar Communications Corporation
(NASDAQ: DISH, DISHP).
When delivered in late 2001, EchoStar VIII will join EchoStar's existing fleet of six direct broadcast satellites (five now in service) in providing 500 channels of
digital video and audio programming, high definition TV, high-speed data services, and local channel content. EchoStar V, launched in September 1999, and
EchoStar VI, to be launched this spring, also were built by SS/L.
EchoStar will use EchoStar VIII primarily for its fast growing DISH Network(TM), which serves more than 3.4 million customers. EchoStar IX will be a
hybrid Ku-and Ka-band satellite that may provide expanded services for EchoStar and the DISH Network.
EchoStar VIII will be deployed at 110 degrees West longitude with other EchoStar satellites, and EchoStar IX will orbit at 121 degrees West longitude.
"Our expanding relationships with both Loral and SS/L are helping EchoStar to offer our growing number of DISH Network customers even more channels
and services," said Charlie Ergen, chairman and CEO of the Littleton, Colorado, company.
"We're proud to have earned the trust of EchoStar, and the opportunity to provide products that will help EchoStar maintain its reputation for reliable,
innovative service," said Dr. John M. Klineberg, SS/L's president. "Our 1300 buses are designed to achieve highly reliable and long useful orbital life and
excellent station-keeping."
EchoStar VIII will carry 16 high-power Ku-band DBS transponders operating at 240 watts rf, along with customized spot beam coverage, to greatly expand
DISH Network's local-into-local service. EchoStar IX, a hybrid Ku-, Ka-band satellite will carry a 32-transponder Ku-band payload operating at 110 watts
rf, in addition to the Ka-band payload. Delivery of EchoStar IX is expected during 2002.
The new geosynchronous spacecraft are versions of SS/L's three-axis, body-stabilized 1300 bus, similar to EchoStar V and VI. The 1300's modular design is
flight-proven and has an excellent record of reliable operation. SS/L's 1300 buses are designed to achieve highly reliable and long useful orbital life -- through
use of a bipropellant propulsion system and a momentum-bias system for excellent stationkeeping and orbital stability. Solar arrays and nickel-hydrogen
batteries provide uninterrupted electrical power. In all, SS/L satellites have amassed a total of more than 700 years on orbit.
EchoStar Communications Corp., includes three interrelated business units:
- DISH Network(TM) is EchoStar's state-of-the-art direct broadcast
satellite system that is capable of offering over 500 channels of
digital video and CD-quality audio programming, including Dolby
Digital surround sound, high-speed interactive television and
data services, all on a single dish, as well as offering fully
MPEG-2/DVB compliant hardware and installation. DISH Network was
ranked number one in customer satisfaction among satellite/cable
TV subscribers by the J.D. Power and Associates 1999
Cable/Satellite TV Customer Satisfaction Study.
- EchoStar Technologies Corporation designs, manufactures and
distributes DBS set-top boxes, antennas and other digital
equipment for the DISH Network and various international
customers that include ExpressVu Canada and the Via Digital
system in Spain. ETC provides construction, oversight and project
integration services for customers internationally. ETC also
oversees EchoStar Data Networks Corporation in Atlanta, a leading
supplier of MediaStream technology for distributing Internet
content over satellite networks.
- Satellite Services provides the delivery of video, audio and data
services to business television customers and other satellite
users. These services include satellite uplink, satellite
transponder space usage and other services. Satellite Services
also administers SKY VISTA, a direct broadcast satellite service
offering popular digital satellite television programming to
viewers in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. territories
in the Caribbean.
DISH Network, which currently serves over 3.4 million customers, is a trademark of EchoStar Communications Corporation. DISH Network is located on the
Internet at www.dishnetwork.com.
Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) is a premier designer, manufacturer, and integrator of powerful geostationary (GEO) 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, California, SS/L has an
international list of commercial and governmental customers whose applications include broadband digital communications, wireless telephony, direct-to-home
broadcast, environmental monitoring, and air traffic control. SS/L is ISO 9001 certified. For more information, visit www.ssloral.com.
Loral Space & Communications is 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, global wireless telephony, broadband data
transmission and content services, Internet services, and international direct-to-home satellite services. For more information, visit www.loral.com. |
