The A2100AX model spacecraft was built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS) and is being launched by International Launch Services (ILS). The hybrid Ku-band/Ka-band satellite will operate from 105 degrees West and support advanced video and broadband services for EchoStar Communications Corp.

AMC-15 will feature one of America's first operating Ka-band payloads, carrying 12 -125 MHz Ka-band spot beams, along with 24 - 36 MHz, 140 watt Ku-band transponders.

As the first satellite dedicated to Americom2Home, the spacecraft has been optimized to provide both Direct-to-Home video and broadband services into a single Dish.

After the launch, SES Americom will complete the testing of all spacecraft systems and ready the satellite for service from 105 degrees West by EchoStar's Dish Network. The satellite will cover CONUS, plus Hawaii and Alaska.

Dean Olmstead, President & CEO of SES Americom, said, "AMC-15 is pivotal to our strategic and expanding relationship with EchoStar, as well as to the development of broadband solutions for both the residential and enterprise markets."

"We worked closely with EchoStar on the technical design of the spacecraft to ensure complete compatibility with their existing and future services. Americom is ready to operate its first Ka-band payload, and we believe EchoStar will fully utilize the satellite's spectrum to expand their offerings to their subscribers."

The AMC-15 spacecraft was flown to Baikonur, Kazakhstan on an Antonov cargo plane that departed Moffett Air Force Base, California on August 11th. The load was massive comprising a total of seven huge containers with a cumulative weight of 80 tons.

Once the spacecraft is un-packed, a team of Americom, Lockheed Martin and ILS engineers and launch specialists will progress through a sequence of final preparations leading to the mid-September launch.

These preparations include: launch site testing, spacecraft fueling, integrating the satellite into the Proton launch vehicle fairing, mating the fairing with the Proton M/Breeze M, roll-out and erection of the rocket on the launch pad, and a final set of tests.

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