EchoStar hires Lockheed Martin for satellite project

Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services was chosen by EchoStar Corporation to provide commercial launch services for its EchoStar XIX communications satellite.

The satellite is scheduled to launch in late 2016 on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. EchoStar XIX, also known as JUPITER 2, is a large, multi-spot beam Ka-band satellite that will help meet the growing demand for HughesNet high-speed satellite internet service in North America.

Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services already markets the Atlas V to commercial satellite customers worldwide and also offers Athena launch services for small satellites and multi-payload RideShare missions.

EchoStar officials praised LockheedMartin for its design reputation.

“We are looking forward to the EchoStar XIX launch with Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services and appreciate the vast experience and expertise that they bring to the table as we work toward a mission success in late 2016,” Michael Dugan, president and CEO of EchoStar Corporation, said.

Steve Skladanek, president of Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services, agreed.

“This is an important launch to HughesNet customers and the Atlas V rocket makes it an ideal choice for this launch,” Skladanek, president of Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch, said. “The Atlas program brings unmatched performance, reliability and schedule assurance for EchoStar and Hughes.”