EchoStar to Continue Satellite Launches With Arianespace

New agreement to launch multiple satellites will expand EchoStar's transponders

By George Winslow -- Broadcasting & Cable, 11/26/2012 12:29:35 PM

EchoStar Corp. and Arianespace, SA, have reached a new contract for the launch of multiple new satellites over a number of years from Europe's spaceport in French Guiana.

The new contract continues a longstanding relationship between EchoStar and Arianespace that began in 1996.

"In July, EchoStar's wholly owned subsidiary, Hughes completed the successful launch of EchoStar XVII with Arianespace, giving us confidence in Arianespace's ability to execute on future launches," said Anders Johnson, president of EchoStar Satellite Services. "The Ariane 5 vehicle has been a reliable, flight-proven launch system. We look forward to relying on Ariane 5 to deliver on-time success in the execution of our near term expansion programs."

In a separate statement Michael Dugan, president and CEO for EchoStar, noted that "with this new Arianespace contract, we remain at the forefront of state-of-the-art DTH services while significantly expanding transponder capacity."

In 2012, Arianespace performed eight successful launches at the CSG. Overall the company reports that it has "more than 50% of the commercial satellite launch market."