[SatNews] Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that it shipped a new communications satellite built for DISH Network to the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan, where it is scheduled to launch in early July aboard an ILS Proton Breeze M vehicle provided by International Launch Services (ILS).

"Our team committed to delivering this highly complex and advanced satellite on a very aggressive schedule," said John Celli, president of Space Systems/Loral. "Not only did we meet the schedule but we delivered the satellite even earlier so that DISH Network could take advantage of an earlier launch vehicle availability. We believe that satellite operators such as DISH Network continue to come back to SS/L for their spacecraft because of our ability to provide highly reliable satellites with exceptional performance. However, they also get a flexible partner that always strives to accommodate changing requirements."

EchoStar XV is a powerful Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS), which will support the expansion of DISH Network's programming and services. The satellite is based on the decade's proven Space Systems/Loral 1300 platform, which provides the power and flexibility for a broad range of applications.

"We are extremely pleased that SS/L was able to provide this satellite ahead of schedule," said Rohan Zaveri, vice president of Space Programs for EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C., which manages DISH Network's space programs. "Our collaborative relationship with SS/L, and past lessons learned, ensure the efficiency of the satellite manufacturing and test processes. In this case, early delivery is expected to enable DISH Network to expand its advanced high-definition programming ahead of schedule."