# EchoStar T1

> geostationary communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q375846](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q375846)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TerreStar-1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/echostar-t1

## Summary
EchoStar T1 is a geostationary communications satellite launched on July 1, 2009, by the Ariane 5 ECA rocket. It was originally operated by TerreStar Networks before being acquired by Dish Network in 2012, serving as a key telecommunications platform in geostationary orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Communications satellite and geostationary satellite
- **Launch Date**: July 1, 2009, at 17:52 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5 ECA (Flight V189)
- **Launch Site**: ELA-3 (European Spaceport, French Guiana)
- **Operator**: TerreStar Networks (2009–2012), later Dish Network
- **Manufacturer**: Lanteris Space Systems
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Lanteris 1300
- **Mass**: 6,910 kg (launch weight)
- **Design Life**: 15 years
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 units)
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Satellite Identification**:
  - SCN: 35496
  - COSPAR ID: 2009-035A
  - NSSDCA ID: 2009-035A
- **Space Tug**: ESC-A H14.4 (Flight 547)

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of EchoStar T1?
A: EchoStar T1 was a geostationary communications satellite designed to provide telecommunications services, initially for TerreStar Networks before being repurposed by Dish Network.

### Q: Who launched EchoStar T1?
A: EchoStar T1 was launched by the Ariane 5 ECA rocket (Flight V189) on July 1, 2009, from ELA-3 in French Guiana.

### Q: How long was EchoStar T1 operational?
A: The satellite had a design life of 15 years, though its operational timeline was shortened after being acquired by Dish Network in 2012.

### Q: What type of orbit did EchoStar T1 use?
A: EchoStar T1 was placed in a geostationary orbit, allowing it to maintain a fixed position relative to Earth’s surface.

### Q: Who manufactured EchoStar T1?
A: The satellite was built by Lanteris Space Systems using the Lanteris 1300 spacecraft bus.

## Why It Matters
EchoStar T1 played a crucial role in the early 2010s as a telecommunications satellite, initially serving TerreStar Networks before being repurposed by Dish Network. Its geostationary position enabled reliable communication services, supporting both commercial and potential military applications. The satellite’s design, with a 15-year lifespan and solar-powered capabilities, demonstrated advancements in satellite technology. Its transition from TerreStar to Dish Network highlighted the dynamic nature of satellite ownership and repurposing in the aerospace industry. While its exact contributions to specific services remain documented, its presence in geostationary orbit underscores the importance of stable, long-duration satellites in global communications infrastructure.

## Notable For
- **First Commercial Use**: One of the first satellites repurposed by Dish Network after its acquisition of TerreStar Networks.
- **Geostationary Position**: Maintained a fixed orbit, critical for consistent telecommunications coverage.
- **Solar Power**: Utilized spacecraft solar arrays (2 units) for energy, a common feature in modern satellites.
- **Lanteris 1300 Bus**: Built on the Lanteris 1300 spacecraft bus, indicating a modular approach to satellite design.
- **Ariane 5 Launch**: Launched aboard the Ariane 5 ECA, a reliable heavy-lift rocket for geostationary missions.

## Body
### Overview
EchoStar T1, also known as TerreStar-1, is a geostationary communications satellite launched on July 1, 2009. It was manufactured by Lanteris Space Systems using the Lanteris 1300 spacecraft bus and had a launch mass of 6,910 kg. The satellite was powered by two spacecraft solar arrays and designed for a 15-year operational lifespan.

### Launch and Deployment
EchoStar T1 was launched aboard an Ariane 5 ECA rocket (Flight V189) from ELA-3 at the European Spaceport in French Guiana. The launch occurred at 17:52 UTC on July 1, 2009. The satellite was deployed into a geostationary orbit, where it remained stationary relative to Earth’s surface.

### Operational History
Initially operated by TerreStar Networks from 2009 to 2012, EchoStar T1 was later acquired by Dish Network. The satellite’s SCN (Satellite Catalog Number) is 35496, and its COSPAR ID is 2009-035A. It was also assigned the NSSDCA ID 2009-035A.

### Technical Specifications
- **Power Source**: Two spacecraft solar arrays.
- **Space Tug**: ESC-A H14.4 (Flight 547) was used during the launch.
- **Orbit**: Geostationary, ensuring continuous coverage over a fixed region.

### Legacy and Significance
EchoStar T1’s role in the satellite communications industry highlights the evolving landscape of satellite ownership and repurposing. Its geostationary position and solar-powered design reflect advancements in satellite technology. While specific details of its services are limited, its presence in orbit underscores the importance of stable, long-duration satellites in global communications.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/terrestar-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013