A Proton rocket that was to have placed a new SES Americom AMC-14 satellite in orbit for Dish Network failed to achieve its proper orbit. Dish says the satellite itself appears to be functioning properly, but it is in the wrong place – a lower orbit than where it is supposed to be. The company says it may be able to get the satellite into its proper orbit, but even if that effort succeeds, it will use up fuel and shorten the useful life of the satellite. The problem will delay the roll-out of some high-definition channels by Dish, including some local TV HD channels. So, local TV stations who were slated to have their HD channels added to the Dish lineup in their market my be getting word soon that their HD deployment will be delayed.
