DISH Network’s AMC-14 Satellite Gets Canned
April 11th, 2008 — By Charlie Robb
April 11 - On March 15, DISH Network launched a new satellite meant to increase their coverage and bandwidth.
Unfortunately for the DISH Network, a problem in the second burn on the fourth phase caused it to achieve an orbit that was far from nominal.
Apparently there was talk about trying to reposition the AMC-14, but SES Americom, the satellite service provider, has opted not to go for it.
Initiating a second burn to bring the AMC-14 into the proper orbit would result in an incredibly short lifespan for the satellite, so SES Americom has instead decided to cash out on a $150 million insurance policy and wipe their hands of the whole affair.
The DISH Network may be slightly disappointed, but they have several more satellites planned for this year, so it won’t actually affect their broadcasting at all.
