# EchoStar VII

> retired geostationary communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q18327694](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18327694)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EchoStar_VII)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/echostar-vii

## Summary
EchoStar VII was a retired geostationary communications satellite operated by EchoStar. Launched in 2002, it was part of EchoStar's fleet of communications satellites and served in geostationary orbit before being decommissioned.

## Key Facts
- Launched on February 21, 2002, at 12:43:01 UTC from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36
- Mass: 4,026 kilograms (launch weight)
- Operated by EchoStar Corporation
- Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
- Satellite bus: A2100
- COSPAR ID: 2002-006A
- NSSDCA ID: 2002-006A
- Country of origin: United States
- Powered by 2 spacecraft solar arrays
- Retired and moved to graveyard orbit no later than May 6, 2022

## FAQs
### Q: What was EchoStar VII's purpose?
A: EchoStar VII was a communications satellite designed to provide telecommunications services from geostationary orbit as part of EchoStar's satellite fleet.

### Q: When was EchoStar VII launched and retired?
A: EchoStar VII was launched on February 21, 2002, and was retired and moved to a graveyard orbit no later than May 6, 2022.

### Q: Who manufactured EchoStar VII?
A: EchoStar VII was manufactured by Lockheed Martin using their A2100 satellite bus.

## Why It Matters
EchoStar VII represented an important component of EchoStar's communications infrastructure, providing essential telecommunications services from geostationary orbit. As part of a larger fleet of communications satellites, it helped deliver television, internet, and other data services to customers across North America. The satellite's 20-year operational lifespan demonstrates the durability and reliability of modern geostationary communications satellites. Its retirement and proper disposal in a graveyard orbit also exemplifies responsible space debris management practices in the satellite industry.

## Notable For
- Part of EchoStar's communications satellite fleet, which has been a major player in North American satellite television and internet services
- Operated for approximately 20 years before retirement, showcasing the longevity of geostationary communications satellites
- Manufactured by Lockheed Martin using their proven A2100 satellite bus platform
- Launched aboard an Atlas IIIB rocket (AC-204 mission)
- Properly disposed of in graveyard orbit, following responsible end-of-life protocols for space debris mitigation

## Body
### Launch and Specifications
EchoStar VII was launched on February 21, 2002, at 12:43:01 UTC from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36 aboard an Atlas IIIB rocket (mission AC-204). The satellite had a launch mass of 4,026 kilograms and was manufactured by Lockheed Martin using their A2100 satellite bus platform.

### Operational Characteristics
As a geostationary communications satellite, EchoStar VII operated in a fixed position relative to Earth's surface, providing consistent coverage for telecommunications services. The satellite was powered by two spacecraft solar arrays and was operated by EchoStar Corporation as part of their communications satellite fleet.

### Mission Timeline
The satellite was launched in 2002 and served in geostationary orbit for approximately 20 years. On May 6, 2022, EchoStar VII was retired and moved to a graveyard orbit, following standard procedures for end-of-life disposal of geostationary satellites to prevent space debris.

### Technical Classification
EchoStar VII is classified as a communications satellite, geostationary satellite, and derelict satellite (after retirement). It was preceded in EchoStar's fleet by BermudaSat-1 and followed by EchoStar VIII.

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

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/echostar-3.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-23-888A2.txt)