Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) has been selected to provide a new, direct broadcast satellite (DBS), EchoStar XVI, to a subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (Nasdaq:SATS). EchoStar XVI is the seventh satellite contract awarded to SS/L in 2009 and is planned for launch in 2012.

The space-proven SS/L 1300 satellite bus, used by EchoStar XVI, provides the flexibility for a broad range of applications. SS/L currently has 59 satellites on orbit and has amassed more than 1,600 years of reliable on-orbit service.