EchoStar Communication Corporation
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EchoStar Communication Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) is the parent company of DISH Network and the maintainer of the satellite fleet that provides the signal which DISH Network markets.
History
EchoStar was formed in 1980 by its chairman and CEO Charlie Ergen as a distributer of C-band TV systems. In 1987, EchoStar applied for Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) license with the Federal Communications Commission and was granted access to orbital slot 119° West longitude in 1992.
On December 28, 1995, EchoStar successfully launched its first satellite, EchoStar I. That same year, EchoStar established the DISH Network brand name to market its home satellite TV system.
Satellite fleet
| Satellite | Orbital slot | Launch date | Satellite type |
|---|---|---|---|
| EchoStar I | 148° West long. | December 28, 1995 | Lockheed Martin AS-7000 |
| EchoStar II | 148° West long. | September 10, 1996 | Lockheed Martin AS-7000 |
| EchoStar III | 61.5° West long. | October 5, 1997 | Lockheed Martin A2100AX |
| EchoStar IV | 119° West long. | May 8, 1998 | Lockheed Martin A2100AX |
| EchoStar V | 110° West long. | September 23, 1999 | Space Systems/Loral LS-1300 |
| EchoStar VI | 119° West long. | July 14, 2000 | Space Systems/Loral LS-1300 |
| EchoStar VII | 119° West long. | Feb. 21, 2002 | Lockheed Martin A2100AX |
| EchoStar VIII | 110° West long. | Aug. 21, 2002 | Space Systems/Loral LS-1300 |
| EchoStar IX | 121° West long. | August 7, 2003 | Space Systems/Loral LS-1300 |
| EchoStar X | 110° West long. | (est.) late 2005/early 2006 | Lockheed Martin A2100AX |
