Launch Overview
Vehicle
Atlas IIAS
Agency
Lockheed Martin
Site / Pad
CC / LC36B
Outcome
Success
Flight
AC-135
COSPAR Designator
1997-059
Mission
Echostar III (Communications)
EchoStar 3 was originaly ordered as DBSC 1 by DBSC (Direct Broadcast Satellite Corporation) which merged with a subsidiary of EchoStar in late 1995. The merger was approved by the FCC in August 1996. EchoStar is only authorized to operate 11 transponders from 61.5°W but was granted in Mar 1998 a special authorization to use the full frequency space at that location.
Vehicle & Provider
Rocket
Atlas IIAS
Provider
Lockheed Martin
Agency launches
28 (6 YTD)
Site launches
534 (11 YTD)
Pad launches
61 (4 YTD)