Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) has announced that the EchoStar XI satellite, built for DISH Network, deployed its solar arrays early this morning, following its successful launch last night from Sea Launch's Odyssey Launch Platform on the equator in the Pacific Ocean.

The 20-kW direct broadcast satellite (DBS) is performing post-launch maneuvers on schedule as it continues its progress toward its in-orbit testing location. Its final location in geosynchronous orbit will be 110 degrees West longitude.

It is the fourth SS/L-built satellite to be launched this year and the fifth satellite that SS/L has provided to DISH Network.

"We trust Space Systems/Loral to provide us with a spacecraft that helps us meet our business objectives," said Rohan Zaveri, Vice President of Space Programs for DISH Network. "After so much hard work, both of our companies can take great pride in seeing the launch of this powerful satellite."

The satellite is based on SS/L's highly reliable, high-heritage, 1300 spacecraft bus, which provides the flexibility for a broad range of applications. Orbit raising operations are being conducted from SS/L's Mission Control Center in Palo Alto, Calif.

"The long term relationship between Space Systems/Loral and DISH Network is built on our passion and commitment to delivering reliable and technologically advanced spacecraft," said John Celli, president and chief operating officer of Space Systems/Loral.

"With the successful launch of EchoStar XI, there are 55 SS/L-built geostationary satellites now in orbit and more bits are transported over our satellites than over satellites from any other manufacturer."