# EchoStar III

> retired geostationary communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q18327697](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18327697)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EchoStar_III)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/echostar-iii

## Summary
EchoStar III was a retired geostationary communications satellite operated by EchoStar. Launched in 1997, it was part of the EchoStar fleet and served as a telecommunications satellite before being decommissioned and moved to a graveyard orbit in 2017.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Communications satellite, geostationary satellite, derelict satellite
- **Operator**: EchoStar (United States)
- **Launch date**: October 5, 1997, at 21:01:01 UTC from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36
- **Launch vehicle**: Atlas IIAS (AC-135)
- **Manufacturer**: Lockheed Martin
- **Spacecraft bus**: A2100
- **Mass**:
  - Launch weight: 3,675 kg
  - Service entry: 1,700 kg
  - Dry weight: 1,325 kg
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Decommissioning**: Moved to a graveyard orbit no later than September 6, 2017
- **Preceded by**: EchoStar II (failed)
- **Succeeded by**: EchoStar IV (retired)
- **Aliases**: EchoStar 3, DBSC-1

## FAQs
### Q: What was EchoStar III used for?
A: EchoStar III was a geostationary communications satellite designed for telecommunications, part of the EchoStar fleet operated by EchoStar Corporation.

### Q: When was EchoStar III launched?
A: EchoStar III was launched on October 5, 1997, at 21:01:01 UTC from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36 aboard an Atlas IIAS rocket.

### Q: What happened to EchoStar III after retirement?
A: EchoStar III was decommissioned and moved to a graveyard orbit no later than September 6, 2017, becoming a derelict satellite.

### Q: Who operated EchoStar III?
A: EchoStar III was operated by EchoStar, a fleet of communications satellites based in the United States.

### Q: What was the mass of EchoStar III?
A: EchoStar III had a launch weight of 3,675 kg, a service entry mass of 1,700 kg, and a dry weight of 1,325 kg.

## Why It Matters
EchoStar III played a crucial role in the early 2000s as part of the EchoStar fleet, providing telecommunications services from geostationary orbit. Its decommissioning in 2017 marked the end of its operational life, but it remains a notable example of a retired communications satellite. The satellite's transition to a graveyard orbit ensures it no longer poses a risk to active spacecraft. EchoStar III's legacy contributes to the broader history of satellite communications, highlighting the evolution of space-based telecommunications infrastructure.

## Notable For
- **Part of the EchoStar fleet**: One of several satellites operated by EchoStar Corporation for global communications.
- **Geostationary orbit**: Positioned to provide continuous coverage over a specific region.
- **Decommissioning to graveyard orbit**: Followed responsible satellite disposal practices by being moved out of active orbit.
- **Telecommunications role**: Supported direct-to-home broadcasting and other communication services.
- **Derelict status**: Remains in space as a non-functional satellite after retirement.

## Body
### Classification
EchoStar III is classified as a communications satellite, geostationary satellite, and derelict satellite. It was part of the EchoStar fleet, a series of satellites operated by EchoStar Corporation.

### Launch and Operation
- **Launch**: October 5, 1997, at 21:01:01 UTC from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36.
- **Launch vehicle**: Atlas IIAS (AC-135).
- **Manufacturer**: Lockheed Martin.
- **Spacecraft bus**: A2100.
- **Mass**:
  - Launch weight: 3,675 kg.
  - Service entry: 1,700 kg.
  - Dry weight: 1,325 kg.
- **Power**: Equipped with two spacecraft solar arrays.

### Orbit and Function
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit.
- **Role**: Provided telecommunications services, including direct-to-home broadcasting.
- **Operator**: EchoStar Corporation.

### Decommissioning
- **Decommissioning date**: No later than September 6, 2017.
- **Disposal**: Moved to a graveyard orbit to prevent interference with active satellites.

### Precedence and Succession
- **Preceded by**: EchoStar II (failed).
- **Succeeded by**: EchoStar IV (retired).

### Identification
- **Aliases**: EchoStar 3, DBSC-1.
- **SCN (Space Catalog Number)**: 25004.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1997-059A.
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1997-059A.

### References
- **Wikipedia**: [EchoStar III](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EchoStar_III).
- **Skyrocket**: [EchoStar III Data](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/echostar-3.htm).
- **PR Newswire**: [EchoStar III Retirement](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/echostar-iii-satellite-recovered-and-retired-300514733.html).

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "EchoStar III",
  "description": "Retired geostationary communications satellite operated by EchoStar",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EchoStar_III",
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367"
  ],
  "additionalType": "CommunicationsSatellite"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/echostar-3.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/echostar-iii-satellite-recovered-and-retired-300514733.html)
4. [Source](http://www.tbs-satellite.com/tse/online/sat_echostar_3.html)