...EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS), has arrived at the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan, where it is scheduled to be launched aboard a Proton Breeze M vehicle provided by International Launch Services (ILS). EchoStar XVI is a powerful direct broadcast satellite (DBS) that is fully leased to DISH Network for use in its Direct-to-Home (DTH) services in the United States. When launched, the satellite will be positioned at 61.5 degrees West longitude.

EchoStar XVI is the eighth satellite that SS/L has delivered to EchoStar. The 20-kilowatt satellite is based on the highly reliable Space Systems/Loral 1300 space-proven platform which provides the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. The spacecraft is designed to deliver service for 15 years or more.