EchoStar launches new bird

<%=company1%> (Littleton, CO) announced today that its EchoStar VI satellite was successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, Fla., early this morning.

The satellite – which the company says is the "most powerful broadcast satellite" ever launched – was put into geosynchronous transfer orbit early today. EchoStar VI joins a fleet of five other broadcast satellites the company uses for its various systems, including its DISH satellite television service.

"EchoStar is pleased to report a successful launch of our sixth satellite that will serve our fast-growing number of DISH Network satellite television customers," said Charlie Ergen, CEO and chairman of EchoStar. "EchoStar VI will increase our broadcast signal power and backup capacity as well as allow for expanded coverage to Alaska and Hawaii."

Edited by Tom Butts