SpaceX Launches EchoStar-25 Satellite

On March 10, 2024, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched the EchoStar-25 direct television satellite, intended for Dish Network, into geostationary Earth orbit.

Liftoff occurred at 12:19 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral. The satellite deployed from the rocket's second stage approximately 33 minutes after launch.

The Falcon 9 first stage, designated B1085, landed on the drone ship 'A Shortfall of Gravitas' in the Atlantic Ocean, marking its 14th flight and SpaceX's 583rd booster landing.

Satellite Specifications and Operations

EchoStar contracted Lanteris Space LLC (formerly Maxar Space Systems) in March 2023 to construct the EchoStar-25 satellite. A launch contract with SpaceX was established in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Built on Lanteris’ 1300 Series satellite bus, EchoStar-25 is designated as a direct broadcast satellite for Dish.

According to a filing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the satellite will operate in the 12.2-12.7 GHz band for space-to-Earth communications and 17.3-17.8 GHz for Earth-to-space.

This satellite represents the most recent EchoStar deployment for Dish since EchoStar 23 launched in March 2017.

Additionally, EchoStar ordered the construction of EchoStar-26 from Lanteris in May 2025, with an anticipated launch in 2028.

Spectrum License Sale to SpaceX

In September 2025, EchoStar announced its intention to sell spectrum licenses, previously earmarked for its own direct-to-mobile service, to SpaceX.

This $17 billion sale, structured as an even split between cash and SpaceX stock, is currently awaiting regulatory approval.

EchoStar CEO Charles Ergen commented that while the company was