LIVE: SpaceX launches a satellite for EchoStar

Long-standing collaboration spans multiple launches since 2017

SpaceX has launched several EchoStar missions including EchoStar 23, the 9-metric-ton Jupiter 3 on Falcon Heavy, and early rideshare missions, establishing a reliable launch partnership over seven years.

Spectrum agreement enables Starlink mobile service expansion

EchoStar and SpaceX entered a purchase agreement providing SpaceX with 50 MHz of exclusive S-band spectrum in the US and global MSS licenses to support next-generation Starlink direct-to-mobile satellite services for Boost Mobile customers.

Fourteenth flight for flight-proven Falcon 9 booster

The first stage booster supporting this mission previously flew on NASA Crew-9, GPS III-7, and seven Starlink missions, demonstrating extensive reusability before successfully landing on the drone ship 'A Shortfall of Gravitas.'

Record-breaking fairing reuse and recovery

Both payload fairing halves were flight proven, with one flying for its eighth time and the other for its 27th time, to be recovered by the vessel 'Doug' for refurbishment and future flights.

EchoStar 25 modernizes Dish TV broadcast infrastructure

Built on the flight-proven LS-1300 platform by Lantara Space Systems, the satellite replaces older spacecraft to provide direct broadcast television service across all 50 US states and Puerto Rico without requiring customer equipment changes.

Complex orbital insertion requires two upper stage burns

After liftoff to geostationary transfer orbit, the Falcon 9 second stage performed two separate Merlin vacuum engine burns, with payload deployment occurring at T+32 minutes and 41 seconds following successful orbit insertion.

Massive satellite dimensions require careful deployment

EchoStar 25 is roughly the size of a motor home with solar arrays spanning over 100 feet when deployed, necessitating protection by the payload fairing until outside Earth's atmosphere.