DISH Satellite To Launch

Echostar plans to expand DISH Network bandwidth with Wednesday’s launch of satellite X. Adding an extra satellite doesn’t really impress me, but I am intrigued by the launch details. As with DirecTV and XM, Echostar has enlisted Sea Launch’s Odyssey platform — a vessel that motors out to sea for launch.

Sea Launch will be providing about two hours of live Echostar X coverage via webcast beginning at 3:15pm PST on 2/8.

Sea Launch says: Sea Launch receives satellites at the Home Port facility in Long Beach, California. Following the completion of fueling and encapsulation in the payload processing facility, the integrated payload unit is transferred to the assembly and command ship for integration with the launch vehicle. The horizontally integrated rocket is then transferred to the launch platform, where it is stored in an environmentally controlled hangar during transit to the equator.

Upon arrival at the launch site, the launch platform is positioned at 154 degrees West Longitude, ballasted to its launch depth and oriented to minimize wind and wave effects. At L-27 hours prior to liftoff, the rocket is rolled out of its environmentally protected hangar and automatically erected on the launch pad.

Propellant chilldown begins at L-4 hours and 20 minutes, with loading commencing L-2 hours and 30 minutes before liftoff. Launch support personnel transfers to the assembly and command ship prior to propellant loading. The large transporter/erector arm is lowered 17 minutes prior to flight, signaling all parameters are “go” for launch.