Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) announced that the EchoStar XVII satellite is successfully launched and it is performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. EchoStar XVII satellite is designed and built for Hughes (News - Alert) Network Systems, LLC (Hughes), a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation. SS/L is a global market provider of commercial communications satellites, serving a global customer base.

The EchoStar XVII satellite is based on the highly reliable Space Systems/Loral 1300 space-proven platform which provides the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. The platform allows the satellite to support a broad range of applications and technology advances.

In a press release, John Celli, president of Space Systems/Loral, said, “It has been our privilege to work with Hughes on this advanced satellite for broadband in the U.S. The excellent spirit of teamwork between our companies has resulted in one of the world's highest capacity satellites to ever launch.”

EchoStar XVII is equipped with JUPITER high-throughput technology. The satellite is an all Ka-band, broadband satellite designed to offer HughesNet Gen4 high-speed satellite Internet service in North America. The satellite offers more than 100 gigabits per second capacity for enhanced service to both consumers and businesses. The satellite will deliver service to the highest traffic demand in North America with its complex multi-spot beam architecture. The spacecraft is designed to deliver service for 15 years or more. With this introduction, there are 70 SS/L-built geostationary satellites currently in orbit.

Pradman Kaul, president of Hughes, said, “Space Systems/Loral has been an excellent partner in building EchoStar XVII. This satellite was many years in planning and we are excited that it is now beginning its performance in space.”

Space Systems/Loral was recently in news when MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire 100 percent of Space Systems/Loral, Inc. (SS/L) for USD 875 million in a transaction that is immediately accretive.

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