International Launch Services (ILS) said the window for the launch of the Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems Co.-built AMC 16 will open Dec. 17 at 4:41 a.m. EST. The satellite will launch from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida onboard an Atlas 5 rocket.

AMC 16 carries 24 active Ku-band transponders and 12 Ka-band spotbeams and has an expected life of 15 years. It will be used to support SES Americom’s Americon2Home direct-to-home entertainment and broadband services to a single receiving dish. The satellite will be used by EchoStar Communications Corp.’s Dish Network and will transmit to all 50 United States.