[Satellite TODAY 05-13-13] International Launch Services (ILS) and EchoStar Satellite Services have signed a new launch deal. The agreement is a boost for ILS as it seeks to maintain a strong position in a competitive launch services market.

    The ILS Proton liftoff, which isn’t scheduled to occur until late 2015 or early 2016, will launch a 6900 kg satellite from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

    “We are honored to be selected for this upcoming Proton launch and look forward to collaborating with EchoStar on this important mission,” ILS President Phil Slack said in a statement.