Mission
Communications · Direct-GEO
EchoStar 3 was originaly ordered as DBSC 1 by DBSC (Direct Broadcast Satellite Corporation) which merged with a subsidiary of EchoStar in late 1995. The merger was approved by the FCC in August 1996. EchoStar is only authorized to operate 11 transponders from 61.5°W but was granted in Mar 1998 a…
What it put in orbit
| Object | Type | Orbit | Globe |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECHOSTAR 3 1997-059A | Payload | 36146 × 36219 km · 9.8° | Globe |
| ATLAS 2AS CENTAUR R/B 1997-059B | Rocket body | re-entered 1998-03-15 |
COSPAR ID 1997-059. Orbits from the CelesTrak satellite catalogue (perigee × apogee, inclination).