By Kate Ivy and Gary Davis
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DISH Network Satellites in the Sky
DISH Network has been around for over a decade now, providing digital services to millions of customers worldwide. With its most recent launch of EchoStar IX, DISH Network boasts nine state-of-the-art satellites in its primary servicing system. Ever wonder where all those satellites are?
DISH Network launched its first satellite in 1995, just three years after EchoStar was granted its first orbital slot. EchoStar I was launched from Xichang, China and placed at 119 degrees West Longitude on December 28, 1995. In March of 1996, DISH Network begins broadcasting to its customers from its very first uplink center in Cheyenne, Wyoming. EchoStar I services an area that spans the western United States to the Central/Mountain region.
With more than 100,000 customers, the company launched its second satellite, EchoStar II from Kourou, French Guiana in South America in September 1996, just one month after opening its second service center in Thorton, Colorado. Also servicing the Western United States, EchoStar II was built by Lockheed Martin and had a launch weight of a whopping 6,360 pounds. Broadcasting began two months later in November 1996.
In October 1997, EchoStar launches its third satellite, EchoStar III from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Another Lockheed Martin product, EchoStar III weighed in at over 8,000 pounds at launch and orbits at 61.5 degrees West Longitude. The satellite services the Eastern United States and has double the transponders of its two predecessors. Just two months later, DISH Network celebrates its millionth customer.
March of 1998 brings a big change as DISH Network relocates its world headquarters to the Riverfront building in Littleton, Colorado. Just two months later, EchoStar IV is launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, providing service to the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
Now three years old and growing, the company launches EchoStar V from Cape Canaveral, Florida in September of 1999. Just one month later, DISH Network celebrates its 3 millionth customer. Orbiting at 110 degrees West Longitude, EchoStar V services the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
The year 2000 brings a number of changes, including a fourth servicing center in El Paso, Texas. In July, EchoStar VI is launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, becoming part of the company’s primary satellite system offering core services to the continental United States. In November, DISH Network acquires its 5 millionth customer.
EchoStar VII was launched in February 2002 and takes its place at 119 degrees West Longitude with the company’s other primary satellites. Servicing the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, EchoStar VII was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida and boasted a launch weight of just under 9000 pounds.
EchoStar VIII was launched later that same year, just after the company celebrates its 7 millionth customer milestone. EchoStar VIII was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan and weighed in at 10,274 pounds at launch. Just a few months later, DISH Network systems become available at Wal-Mart stores nationwide.
In April of 2005, DISH Network launched its ninth satellite from a floating platform at the equator. EchoStar IX will orbit at the 121 degrees West Longitude position and join EchoStar’s eight other satellites in bringing digital service to over eight million customers.
About the Author
About the Authors: Gary Davis is owner of Dish Network Satellite TV
and has written numerous articles on the satellite television industry. Kate
Ivy has written for a variety of publications and websites and is the owner of
Ivygirl Media & Design.
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