PALO ALTO, CA, Dec. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ – Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, today announced that the EchoStar XIX satellite, which SSL designed and built for Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), was launched yesterday and is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V provided by Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services.

EchoStar XIX is the world’s highest capacity broadband satellite now on orbit, dramatically increasing capacity for HughesNet^® high-speed satellite Internet service in North America. EchoStar XIX joins EchoStar XVII to help meet the demand for high-speed Internet for consumers and small businesses in rural and other communities with limited Internet access options.

“EchoStar XIX is an exceptionally powerful satellite that underpins the next generation of satellite Internet,” said John Celli, president of SSL. “It has been an honor to work closely with our long term colleagues at Hughes, advancing satellite’s capability to improve lives by bringing the benefits of quality, high-speed Internet service to homes and small businesses across North America that were previously unserved or underserved by terrestrial broadband services.”

EchoStar XIX provides significantly more capacity than EchoStar XVII, which was also built by SSL and launched in 2012. Like EchoStar XVII, EchoStar XIX is a large, multi-spot beam Ka-band satellite based on the powerful SSL 1300 platform, which has the capability to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. SSL has built nearly 50 satellites with HTS payloads, including two of the highest capacity broadband satellites in service today, and the world’s first true high-throughput satellite, which was launched in 2005.

“EchoStar XIX provides us with increased capacity and coverage enabling us to launch HughesNet Gen5, the next generation of our successful HughesNet satellite Internet service, delivering more speed, more data, and more advanced features for consumers and small businesses in the communities we serve,” said Pradman Kaul, president of Hughes Network Systems. “SSL has been an important partner in helping us achieve this expanded service. It is indeed gratifying to work together to push the capability of satellite technology beyond what was previously possible.”

About Hughes Network SystemsHughes Network Systems, LLC (Hughes) is the global leader in satellite broadband for home and office, delivering innovative technology solutions and a comprehensive suite of HughesON? managed services for enterprises and governments worldwide. HughesNet® is the #1 high-speed satellite Internet service in the marketplace, with offerings to suit every budget. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 5 million systems to customers in over 100 countries, representing approximately 50 percent market share. Its products employ global standards approved by the TIA, ETSI and ITU organizations, including IPoS/DVB-S2, RSM-A, and GMR-1.

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes operates sales and support offices worldwide, and is a subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS), a premier global provider of satellite operations and digital TV solutions. For additional information about Hughes, please visit www.hughes.com.

About SSL

Space Systems Loral (SSL) is a leading provider of commercial satellites with broad expertise to support satellite operators and innovative space related missions. The company designs and manufactures spacecraft for services such as direct-to-home television, video content distribution, broadband internet, mobile communications, and Earth observation. As a Silicon Valley innovator for more than 50 years, SSL’s advanced product line also includes state-of-the-art small satellites, and sophisticated robotics and automation solutions for remote operations. For more information, visit www.sslmda.com.

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