Scott Nicholas
Lockheed Martin
‘s commercial launch services business has sent a communications satellite into orbit for client Hughes Network Systems using a United Launch Alliance-built Atlas V 431 rocket.
The EchoStar XIX satellite lifted off Sunday from Cape Canaveral Air Station’s Space Launch Complex 41 in Florida at 2:13 p.m. Eastern time, Lockheed said Sunday.
The satellite is designed to help the HughesNet Gen5 system deliver more data and other features to consumers and small businesses that have limited or no access to terrestrial broadband internet services.
Steve Skladanek, president of Lockheed’s commercial launch services business, said the Atlas rocket technology offers precision and schedule assurance with each mission it supports.
EchoStar contracted Lockheed in August 2015 to provide XIX satellite launch support services and Sunday’s launch happened a week after the latter company encapsulated the satellite into a launch vehicle fairing platform.
