[space86]

Was the failed AMC 14 Satellite, would have replaced the 129 that goes out
in stormy weather?

 

[BattleZone]

AMC-14 was going to replace the satellite at 61.5. Due to a 2nd-stage problem with the Breeze M upper stage of the Proton rocket, the satellite failed to reach orbit and was declared a total loss on April 12, 2008.

129's replacement is a Canadian satellite called Ciel-2, and is also scheduled to launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome on a Proton Breeze M rocket. The launch has been rescheduled several times, and is currently scheduled for a December 2008 launch. Ciel-2, assuming it makes orbit successfully, will be much more powerful than the failing E-5 was when new, and additionally has several more spot-beam transponders, allowing more Local-In-Local coverage for the western states.

http://www.cielsatellite.ca/satellites.html

 

[nmetro]

Let's hope they get this up as soon as possible.

On a clear day, TP 6 and TP 2 go in and out with 15 being the best of signals. When it rains, lightly TP 2 and TP 6 register 0.

Meanwhile, DISH instead of fixing the problem with 129, they choose to install another satellite for the eastern arch. And they wonder why they are losing subscribers.

 

[BattleZone]

To be fair, Dish has had plans to replace 129 for a long time. The original launch was supposed to be early this spring, but has been pushed back due to launch failures at both Baikonur and SeaLaunch in the last 18 months. SeaLaunch being out of action for 6 months really screwed up launch schedules.

There are only 3 launch facilities that can launch such large, heavy satellites into geostationary orbit, and they are all booked 2 years in advance.

 

[space86]

E* really needs to replace 129.

 

[levibluewa]

the 129 that goes out
in stormy weather?

HILARIOUS!!!! The 129 goes out when it's clear and sunny with no wind.

 

[CorpITGuy]

I struggle with 129 when it gets cloudy... if it's raining, fhaggitaboutit.

 

[Jim5506]

129 is not Dish Network's satellite, ergo, they CANNOT replace it themselves.

Dish is leasing TP's on 129 from A Canadian co, Ciel I believe.

Replacement for 129 goes up early 2009.

 

[BattleZone]

Actually, 129 is Echostar5, which IS Dish's sat. But 129 is a Canadian orbital location, and Canada will likely use at least a couple of transponders on Ciel-2 when it arrives to replace E5.