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Echostar XV launches successfully, even more HD on the way
Looks like DISH Network's satellite program is officially back on a winning streak with this weekend's successful launch (video after the break) of Echostar XV. We don't have any more details on DISH's expansion plans for the additional capacity than we did when this bird was announced back in '08, but with two successful launches under its belt in 2010 we can all be happy the troubles of the ill-fated AMC-14 are a distant memory, right?
DISH Network's EchoStar XV satellite gets set for launch... in 2010
It wasn't too long ago that we sat in awe as EchoStar X lifted off into outer space, and in around two years, we can all relive that moment as EchoStar XV does the same. Announced today, Space Systems/Loral was chosen to "provide a new direct broadcast satellite (DBS) for DISH Network," and the bird will be based on the outfit's "space-proven" 1300 platform. As it stands, this becomes the eighth SS/L satellite built for EchoStar, and while we're not told exactly what it's heading up to handle, we are informed that it will "support the expansion of DISH Network's programming and services." Hopefully it'll have a few less issues than the AMC-14 when it lifts off in 2010, eh?
