Dish has a new satellite aloft

Dish Network announced the successful launch of its latest satellite, EchoStar XIV. The new bird will increase Dish’s HD capacity.

Calling itself “the definitive HD leader,” Dish noted that it already broadcasts more than 160 HD channels as well as HD locals in 152 markets.

The weekend launch brings the size of Dish Network's satellite constellation to 15 – the largest fleet in the industry. Built by Space Systems/Loral, EchoStar XIV launched on an International Launch Services Proton/Breeze M vehicle from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 2:27 pm ET on Saturday, March 20. After a nine-hour, 10-minute mission, EchoStar XIV was successfully released into geosynchronous transfer orbit. The satellite will ultimately reside at 119 degrees West longitude at an altitude of 22,000 miles.

"Dish Network continues to launch new satellites to remain at the forefront of multi-channel video programming. We look forward to extending our industry-leading HD line-up to well over 200 channels," said Tom Cullen, Dish’s Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Programming.