Echostar 21 Satellite To Launch On Proton Rocket in June

EchoStar 21 satellite. Photo: SSL.

International Launch Services (ILS) confirmed that the Proton-M Integrated Launch Vehicle (ILV) will orbit the EchoStar 21 satellite at 6:45 a.m. Moscow time on June 8 (11:45 p.m. EDT, June 7). Processing of Proton-M ILV and EchoStar 21 is currently underway at Baikonur Spaceport.

The Breeze M upper stage will deliver the spacecraft to the intended orbit. ILS has integrated the spacecraft, adapter system, upper stage and the payload as planned, with Breeze M fueling scheduled for June 4.

EchoStar 21 is a Geostationary Orbit (GEO) communications satellite manufactured by SSL for satellite operator EchoStar. Echostar has stated that the satellite, the sixth in its constellation launched by a Proton, will provide mobile satellite communications for Europe.

Khrunichev Space Center, part of the Roscosmos State Corporation, designs and manufactures the Proton system, Breeze M upper stage and the Angara family of vehicles. ILS, however, has exclusive rights to market and operate Proton vehicles for commercial customers.