12-13-01, 04:59 AM
EchoStar VII, a spot-beam satellite that will help DISH Network deliver local TV channels, will launch sometime in the first quarter and begin sending signals to consumers early in the second quarter, the company said.
EchoStar CEO Charlie Ergen said this week that the satellite should ship to the launch facility in Cape Canaveral in January and that the bird will fly in February. Company personnel confirmed that the satellite should launch in mid first quarter. As with all launches, dates and timetables are subject to change.
The satellite should become available for service in the second quarter, once the bird reaches orbit and finishes testing. The launch of the satellite has been delayed due to an anomaly found within the satellite, a spokesman said.
While the satellite is expected to support EchoStar's effort to comply with must-carry, the spokesman reiterated that the company will meet mandates requiring carriage of all TV stations in the markets DISH Network serves on Jan. 1.
From <a href="http://www.skyreport.com" target=none>SkyReport</a> (Used with permission)
EchoStar CEO Charlie Ergen said this week that the satellite should ship to the launch facility in Cape Canaveral in January and that the bird will fly in February. Company personnel confirmed that the satellite should launch in mid first quarter. As with all launches, dates and timetables are subject to change.
The satellite should become available for service in the second quarter, once the bird reaches orbit and finishes testing. The launch of the satellite has been delayed due to an anomaly found within the satellite, a spokesman said.
While the satellite is expected to support EchoStar's effort to comply with must-carry, the spokesman reiterated that the company will meet mandates requiring carriage of all TV stations in the markets DISH Network serves on Jan. 1.
From <a href="http://www.skyreport.com" target=none>SkyReport</a> (Used with permission)