Atlas 5 rocket awarded commercial launch for EchoStar

A powerhouse Internet-from-space communications satellite will be launched from the Cape next year atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket, officials announced Wednesday. The commercial EchoStar 19 spacecraft is targeting a late 2016 launch aboard an Atlas 5 rocket flying in its 431 configuration with a 14-foot-diameter nose cone and three strap-on solid-fuel boosters. The deal was made with Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services, which markets the Atlas 5 rocket. ULA will build the vehicle and perform the mission. “The Atlas program brings unmatched performance, reliability and schedule assurance for EchoStar and Hughes,” said Steve Skladanek, president of Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services. More

(Source: SpaceFlight Now - Aug 10)