[SatNews] Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services has been selected by EchoStar Corporation to provide commercial launch services for the EchoStar XIX communications satellite.

The satellite is scheduled to launch in late 2016 on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

EchoStar XIX, also known as JUPITER 2, is a large, multi-spot beam Ka-band satellite that will help meet the growing demand for HughesNet® high-speed satellite Internet service in North America. The satellite, built by SSL in Palo Alto, California, is designed to provide service for 15 years or longer.

The Jupiter 2 satellite during its build.

Photo is courtesy of SSL.

Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services markets the Atlas V to commercial satellite customers worldwide and also offers Athena launch services for small satellites and multi-payload RideShare missions. The company is responsible for contracts, marketing, sales and mission management for commercial and international government Atlas missions and all Athena missions.

Executive Comments

“This is an important launch to HughesNet® customers and the Atlas V rocket makes it an ideal choice for this launch,” said Steve Skladanek, president of Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services. “The Atlas program brings unmatched performance, reliability and schedule assurance for EchoStar and Hughes.”

“We are looking forward to the EchoStar XIX launch with Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services and appreciate the vast experience and expertise that they bring to the table as we work toward a mission success in late 2016,” said Michael Dugan, president and CEO of EchoStar Corporation.