# EchoStar I

> retired geostationary communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q18327699](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18327699)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EchoStar_I)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/echostar-i

## Summary
EchoStar I is a retired geostationary communications satellite that was launched in 1995 and later decommissioned and moved to a graveyard orbit in 2018. It was operated by EchoStar and was part of their communications satellite fleet.

## Key Facts
- EchoStar I was a communications satellite launched on December 28, 1995, from Xichang Satellite Launch Center using a Long March 2E rocket.
- It had a launch weight of 3,287 kilograms and was manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
- The satellite operated in geostationary orbit and was part of the EchoStar fleet of communications satellites.
- Its COSPAR ID was 1995-073A and it was powered by two spacecraft solar arrays.
- It was decommissioned and moved to graveyard orbit in January 2018.

## FAQs
### Q: When was EchoStar I launched?
A: EchoStar I was launched on December 28, 1995, at 11:50 from Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for EchoStar I?
A: The Long March 2E rocket was used to launch EchoStar I.

### Q: Who manufactured EchoStar I?
A: Lockheed Martin manufactured EchoStar I.

### Q: What is the current status of EchoStar I?
A: EchoStar I is a retired satellite that was decommissioned and moved to a graveyard orbit in January 2018.

## Why It Matters
EchoStar I represents an important milestone in the development of commercial communications satellites. As part of EchoStar's fleet, it contributed to the expansion of satellite-based telecommunications services in the United States. The satellite's decommissioning and relocation to a graveyard orbit demonstrates standard practices in space operations to prevent orbital debris and maintain orbital space for active satellites. Its operational history provides insight into the lifecycle of geostationary communications satellites, from launch and deployment to decommissioning and orbital disposal.

The satellite's successful launch and initial operation helped establish EchoStar as a significant player in the satellite television and broadband services market. Its eventual retirement and proper disposal highlight the importance of responsible space operations and the management of orbital resources.

## Notable For
- It was the first satellite in the EchoStar fleet, representing the company's entry into the satellite communications industry.
- The satellite was launched using a Long March 2E rocket, a Chinese orbital carrier rocket.
- It was manufactured by Lockheed Martin, a major American aerospace company.
- The satellite's decommissioning in 2018 followed standard procedures for geostationary satellites, including relocation to a graveyard orbit.
- It operated in geostationary orbit, providing communications services from a fixed position relative to Earth.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 3,287 kg (launch weight)
- **Power**: Two spacecraft solar arrays
- **Bus**: AS-7000 satellite bus
- **Operator**: EchoStar
- **Country of origin**: United States

### Operational History
- **Launch**: December 28, 1995, from Xichang Satellite Launch Center
- **Decommissioning**: January 2018, moved to graveyard orbit
- **Classification**: Derelict satellite (nonfunctional but remains in orbit)

### Classification and Relationships
- Classified as a communications satellite and geostationary satellite
- Part of the EchoStar fleet of communications satellites
- Followed by EchoStar II (which was a failed satellite)

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "EchoStar I",
  "description": "Retired geostationary communications satellite",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EchoStar_I",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EchoStar_I"],
  "additionalType": "communications satellite",
  "isPartOf": "EchoStar"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/echostar-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](http://www.tbs-satellite.com/tse/online/sat_echostar_1.html)