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Ciel II satellite successfully reaches orbit, gears up for DISH service
If there were any doubts about the purpose of the Ciel II satellite, it's safe to say those questions have been answered. According to a glowing release on International Launch Services' website, the latest bird to leave its hands has successfully reached space, and now it waits to "ultimately be moved to 129 degrees West longitude where it will deliver digital television services to Canada and the contiguous United States." Brian Neill, chairman of the Ciel Satellite Group, was quoted as saying that "now that the spacecraft has delivered an initial signal, Ciel, our founders, investors, and our customer, DISH Network, can look forward to Ciel II's operation early next year." No word on what exactly DISH will use this for "early next year," but it doesn't sound like we'll be waiting long to find out.[Thanks, Joe]
Ciel II satellite prepares for launch, EchoStar service
While we can only imagine that most DISH Network subscribers are waiting anxiously for EchoStar XV to liftoff in 2010, we've got somewhat of an appetizer to share with you today. International Launch Services is making its final preparations to send off the Ciel II communications satellite for an estimated 16 years of service to Ciel and EchoStar. On the official Mission Control page, the "Purpose" is simply listed as "various services," so it's hard to say if this will be used for additional bandwidth or just to look pretty in outer space. Suppose we'll find out soon enough, as the bird takes flight at 8:43ET on December 10th.[Thanks, Vanbrothers]Read - Press releaseRead - Mission Control website
