An artist's concept of the EchoStar 6 satellite in space. Photo: SS/L

The EchoStar 6 satellite was built by Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), Palo Alto, CA, for EchoStar Communications Corporation, Littleton, CO. EchoStar 6 is a high-powered SS/L 1300 three-axis, body-stabilized bus, with a payload optimized to meet the transmission demands of today's direct-broadcast markets.

EchoStar 6 is a geostationary satellite designed for an operational life of 12 years, and will be positioned at 100 degrees West longitude.

The power and range of these satellites will allow subscribers in the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico to receive hundreds of channels of programming from EchoStar's DISH Network. The entire six-satellite network will have the capacity to provide some 500 channels of content that includes digital video and audio, local network programming, HDTV, Internet and high-speed data services, business television and other niche services.

EchoStar 6 will have 32 Ku-band transponders operating at 125 watts per channel, switchable to 16 transponders operating at 250 watts per channel. Total satellite power is approximately 10 kW when it reaches orbit. The spacecraft has three communications antennas: Two 2.4 meter transmit antennas and one 1.2-m receive antenna. Dry mass is approximately 1,493 kg. Separated mass is 3,700 kg. The spacecraft, with solar arrays deployed, is 30.7-m (101-ft) long, 8.66-m (28.4-ft) wide with antennas deployed, and 5.5-m (18.5-ft) high -- from the main thrusters to the top of the tower.