Space Systems/Loral has announced that the EchoStar XVI satellite, designed and built for EchoStar Corporation, has arrived at the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan, where it is scheduled to be launched aboard a Proton Breeze M vehicle provided by International Launch Services (ILS).

"EchoStar and Space Systems/Loral share a commitment to high quality, high performance, and exceptional service," said John Celli, president of Space Systems/Loral. "EchoStar XVI is another example of our capability to deliver satellites with the power to maximize high definition content delivery."

EchoStar XVI is a powerful direct broadcast satellite (DBS) that is fully leased to DISH Network for use in its Direct-to-Home (DTH) services in the United States. When launched, the satellite will be positioned at 61.5 degrees West longitude.

EchoStar XVI is the eighth satellite that SS/L has delivered to EchoStar. The 20-kilowatt satellite is based on the highly reliable Space Systems/Loral 1300 space-proven platform which provides the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. The spacecraft is designed to deliver service for 15 years or more.