July 11, 2010 - International Launch Services (ILS), successfully carried the EchoStar XV satellite into orbit on an ILS Proton for DISH Network LLC. EchoStar Satellite Services LLC., a subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation, manages DISH Network’s space programs and will begin in-orbit testing of the satellite later this month.

The EchoStar XV launch was the 24th successful consecutive Proton launch in 24 months, and the second ILS Proton launch of a DISH Network satellite this year.

The satellite was built by Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) on the 1300 platform, weighing 5,521kg at separation. EchoStar XV, located at 61.5 degrees West, is poised to provide expanded services, including HD programming, for DISH Network’s more than 14 million direct-to-home television subscribers. EchoStar XV was the 15th SS/L satellite launched on an ILS Proton.

This was the 358th launch for Proton since its inaugural flight in 1965, and the 61st ILS Proton launch overall. The Proton Breeze M launch vehicle was developed and built by Khrunichev Research and Production Space Center of Moscow, one of the pillars of the Russian space industry and the majority shareholder in ILS.