Arianespace launched the Space Systems/Loral-built EchoStar 17 Ka-band satellite July 5. The spacecraft was equipped with a high capacity, multi-spot beam architecture that aims to expand coverage on areas with the highest traffic demand by consumers and businesses in North America.

   “The launch and positioning of EchoStar 17 is a significant milestone for Hughes, as it will be the cornerstone for our HughesNet Gen4 satellite Internet service,” Hughes Executive Vice president and General Manager of North America Division Paul Gaske said in a statement. “With well over 100 Gbps capacity, EchoStar 17 will build on the success of our Spaceway 3 satellite.”