EchoStar Corp. (NASDAQ: SATS) and Arianespace, SA, have reached an agreement to launch multiple new satellites over a multi-year period from Europe’s spaceport in French Guiana.

The new contract will provide EchoStar with launch capacity and flexibility for its industry-leading satellite program. “In July, EchoStar’s wholly owned subsidiary, Hughes completed the successful launch of EchoStar XVII with Arianespace, giving us confidence in Arianespace’s ability to execute on future launches,” said Anders Johnson, president of EchoStar Satellite Services.

“The Ariane 5 vehicle has been a reliable, flight-proven launch system. We look forward to relying on Ariane 5 to deliver on-time success in the execution of our near term expansion programs.” “EchoStar is a global leader in satellite services, and our innovations have contributed to the success of the direct-to-home services worldwide. With this new Arianespace contract, we remain at the forefront of state-of-the-art DTH services while significantly expanding transponder capacity,” said Michael Dugan, president & CEO for EchoStar.

EchoStar’s relationship with Arianespace dates back to 1996, when the companies successfully launched EchoStar II. “EchoStar’s renewed confidence in Arianespace is extremely gratifying to us. This launch contract allows us to play a role in the expansion of EchoStar’s broadcast and data revolution. Our dedication to quality gives customers like EchoStar a solid foundation for innovation and growth,” said Jean-Yves Le Gall, chairman and CEO of Arianespace.

In 2012, Arianespace performed eight successful launches at the CSG:  six Ariane 5, one Soyuz and one Vega. Starsem, its European-Russian subsidiary, has also carried out a launch of Soyuz from the Baikonur cosmodrome.  The company has a Soyuz launch plus another Ariane 5 launch at CSG before the end of the year. Based on its launch performance and backlog of orders, Arianespace has been the world’s leading launch company for a number of years, capturing more than 50% of the commercial satellite launch market, equal to more than three years of business.

About EchoStar Corporation 

EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS) is the premier global provider of satellite operations and video delivery solutions. EchoStar’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Hughes, is the world’s leading provider of satellite broadband services, delivering network technologies and managed services for enterprise and government customers in more than 100 countries. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, with additional business units world-wide, EchoStar is a multiple Emmy award-winning company that has pioneered advancements in the set-top box and satellite industries for over 30 years, consistently delivering value for customers, partners and investors through innovation and outstanding quality. Over the last three decades EchoStar’s contribution to video technology has been a major influencer in the way consumers view, receive and manage their TV programming. EchoStar’s consumer solutions include HughesNet®, North America’s #1 high-speed satellite Internet service, Sling Media’s Slingbox® products, and EchoStar’s line of advanced digital video set-top box products for the international free satellite and terrestrial viewer markets.

About Arianespace

Arianespace is the world’s leading satellites launch company, providing innovation to its customers since 1980. Backed by 21 shareholders and the European Space Agency, the company offers an international workforce renowned for a culture of commitment and excellence. As of today, 210 Ariane launches, 28 Soyuz launches (3 at the Guiana Space Centre and 25 at Baikonur with Starsem) and the first launch of Vega have been performed. The company has a backlog of 18 Ariane 5, 13 Soyuz and 3 Vega launches, equal to more than three years of business.