EchoStar XXI. Photo: Space Systems Loral (SSL)

[Via Satellite 12-29-2016] The launch of the EchoStar XXI satellite has been delayed, International Launch Services (ILS) confirmed Dec. 28. Khrunichev has informed ILS of the need to postpone the Proton Breeze M launch of this satellite, which had been scheduled for Dec. 28. A new launch date has not yet been scheduled.

Currently, the launch vehicle and satellite remain healthy and in a safe configuration at the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

EchoStar XXI, an S-band satellite owned and operated by EchoStar, will be positioned at the 10.25 degrees east orbital slot. EchoStar subsidiary EchoStar Mobile Limited, will use a portion of EchoStar XXI’s capacity to provide Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) capacity throughout Europe, including the European Union. EchoStar Mobile is an EU-wide licensee for an integrated mobile satellite service network with a complementary ground component.