EchoStar 8 [SSL]
From its 110° West longitude orbital position, EchoStar VIII's spot-beams will allow a more efficient use of spectrum, enabling EchoStar to expand its DISH Network local-into-local satellite TV service and increase in-orbit backup capacity. The successful launch of EchoStar VIII brings EchoStar's fleet to eight satellites, including two satellites previously built by SS/L.
EchoStar VIII is designed to operate in several different payload modes using national and spot beams. The primary operating mode will provide 16 high-power national transponders at approximately 250 Watts RF and 25 spot beam transponders distributed among 16 beams.
The spacecraft is based on SS/L's space-proven SSL-1300 geostationary satellite platform. The SSL-1300, which has an excellent record of reliable operation, is designed to achieve a long useful life, in this case 15 years, excellent station-keeping, and orbital stability by using bipropellant propulsion and momentum-bias systems. Solar arrays and batteries provide uninterrupted electrical power.
Two of the 12 stationkeeping thrusters failed in September and October 2002. A workaround is used for station keeping but more fuel is being consumed.
Nation: | USA |
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Type / Application: | Communication (Direct Broadcasting) |
Operator: | Dish Network Corporation (EchoStar) |
Contractors: | Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) |
Equipment: | 32 Ku-band transponders |
Configuration: | SSL-1300 |
Propulsion: | ? |
Power: | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
Lifetime: | 15 years |
Mass: | 4660 kg |
Orbit: | GEO |
Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
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EchoStar 8 | 2002-039A | 22.08.2002 | Ba LC-81/23 | Proton-K Blok-DM3 |