Terran Orbital Delivers Small Satellite into Operational Orbit for EchoStar

Terran Orbital

Dec. 6, 2021

Terran Orbital Corporation announced the successful stationing of the EchoStar Global 3 small satellite into its final operational orbit. Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, Inc. (Tyvak), a subsidiary of Terran Orbital, designed, manufactured, and operates the satellite on behalf of EchoStar Corporation.

This successful orbit placement is a premiere example of the innovation and flexibility of small satellites like the EchoStar Global 3. The stationing trajectory included the furthest and most rapid altitude change ever accomplished by a nanosatellite. It also included a 1.5-degree inclination change to place the satellite at the exact altitude and inclination required for its mission. 

"Nanosatellites were not previously able to maneuver like this once placed in orbit," said Marc Bell, co-founder, and chief executive officer of Terran Orbital. "The ability to conduct both significant altitude and inclination changes enables less expensive, faster 'last mile' delivery of a satellite to desired orbits for our customers. Eliminating the need for a dedicated launch insertion or reliance on space tugs reduces costs and enables a broader, more customized opportunity for ridesharing into an optimal orbit."

"The completion of this milestone for the EchoStar Global 3 satellite was accomplished successfully and enables us to move forward with planning for the next steps in the development of our global S-band capabilities," said Anders Johnson, chief strategy officer of EchoStar.