EchoStar Launches Ka-Band Bird
EchoStar is set to rocket into orbit again with EchoStar IX, the first-ever commercial spot-beam Ka-band satellite to serve the United States, the company said.
The Ka-band portion of the satellite will be used to deliver services EchoStar describes as "future broadband initiatives." The payload also includes Ku-band fixed satellite services (FSS) transponders that will enhance EchoStar's current Dish Network satellite TV service.
Ka-band technology has been praised by its advocates as allowing more local-into-local television and advanced services than conventional satellite.
The ocean launch was scheduled for late Aug. 7. The satellite will operate at the 121 degree West Longitude orbital location.
Get the TV Tech Newsletter
The professional video industry's #1 source for news, trends and product and tech information. Sign up below.