[SatNews] Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) has announced that the EchoStar XV satellite, built for DISH Network L.L.C., is performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite deployed its solar arrays late Saturday night and early Sunday morning following its successful launch on Saturday from the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan aboard an ILS Proton Breeze M launch vehicle provided by International Launch Services.

EchoStar XV is designed to provide Ku-band services in the United States and will support DISH Network's expansion of its HD channel lineup. The satellite is based on the 20-kilowatt version of SS/L's 1300 space-proven platform, which provides the power and flexibility for a broad range of applications. When EchoStar XV reaches its geostationary orbital slot at 61.5 degrees West, Space Systems/Loral will have 62 GEO satellites on orbit.