EchoStar 21

Launch data: Designation  42749 / 17032A Launch date  08 June 2017 - 03:45 UT Launch site  Baikonur, LC-81/24 Launch vehicle  Proton-M / Briz-M Mission  Communication (MSS) Perigee / Apogee  2217 x 35810 km Eccentricity   Inclination   30.7° Period   min

Spacecraft data:

Description:

• Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) announced in April 2005 completed design reviews of TerreStar Networks, Inc.′s geostationary satellite, TerreStar-1, and entered into the construction phase of the Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) program. The TerreStar satellite, together with an Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC), is designed to provide next-generation, 2 GHz mobile voice and data communications, monitoring and messaging services throughout the United States.
• An FCC decision earlier this year opened the door for TerreStar Networks, and other select satellite operators, to incorporate an ATC with its satellite-delivered communications service. The previously unavailable 2 GHz frequency band will allow MSS operators to provide advanced mobile voice and data services. These services will be enhanced by ATC technology, which allows for coverage in areas where a satellite′s signal could be blocked, including urban canyons, dense forest or other areas out of the satellite′s line-of-sight.
• In August 2006, TerreStar contracted SSL to deliver the slightly improved second satellite Terrestar-2 in 2009. It was put into storage and is to be launched as EchoStar 21 in January 2017.
• Dish Network Corporation (EchoStar) acquired substantially all of the assets of TerreStar Networks in March 2012.

Mission details:

• After a year′s gap, the Proton rocket is flying again. Echostar 21 was launched on Jun 8, 2017. The 6900 kg Loral LS-1300 satellite, with an 18-metre deployable dish antenna, provides S-band mobile communications for Echostar Mobile.

External links:

• Satellite tracking: Real time satellite tracking