EchoStar Global 3 Small Satellite Delivered into Operational Orbit

The EchoStar Global 3 small satellite has been delivered into its final operational orbit by Terran Orbital. Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, a subsidiary of Terran Orbital, designed, manufactured, and operates the satellite on behalf of EchoStar.

"Eliminating the need for a dedicated launch insertion or reliance on space tugs reduces costs and enables a broader, more customized opportunity for ridesharing into an optimal orbit."

Marc Bell, co-founder, and chief executive officer of Terran Orbital.

This successful small satellite orbit placement is a premiere example of the innovation and flexibility of small satellites like the EchoStar Global 3. The stationing trajectory included the furthest and most rapid altitude change ever accomplished by a nanosatellite. It also included a 1.5-degree inclination change to place the satellite at the exact altitude and inclination required for its mission.

"Nanosatellites were not previously able to maneuver like this once placed in orbit," said Marc Bell, co-founder, and chief executive officer of Terran Orbital. "The ability to conduct both significant altitude and inclination changes enables less expensive, faster 'last mile' delivery of a satellite to desired orbits for our customers. Eliminating the need for a dedicated launch insertion or reliance on space tugs reduces costs and enables a broader, more customized opportunity for ridesharing into an optimal orbit."

"The completion of this milestone for the EchoStar Global 3 satellite was accomplished successfully and enables us to move forward with planning for the next steps in the development of our global S-band capabilities," said Anders Johnson, chief strategy officer of EchoStar.

In October, SPAC Tailwind Two Acquisition Corp. and Terran Orbital jointly announced that they have entered into a definitive business combination agreement. Upon the closing of the transaction, the combined company will operate as Terran Orbital Corporation, with plans to list on the NYSE under the symbol LLAP. The pro forma total enterprise value of the combined companies is approximately $1.58 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022.

Terran Orbital combines satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and in-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers.

EchoStar provides secure communications technologies through its Hughes Network Systems and EchoStar Satellite Services business segments.

(Image provided with Terran Orbital news release)