ENGLEWOOD, Colo.—A satellite that DISH Network Corp. planned to use for its high-definition television signal failed to reach its intended orbit after launch last week but appeared to be functional.
Despite the setback, company officials on Tuesday said the rollout of their high definition lineup remained on track. Increased high definition channel offerings are planned in April and May in markets in Alabama, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
In a statement, DISH Network Chief Executive and President Charlie Ergen said two more satellite launches later this year would help the company meet its goals.
On Friday, the AMERICOM 14 satellite was launched from International Launch Service’s spaceport in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, but remained in a lower orbit than planned. DISH Network said engineers were studying ways to use onboard thrusters and fuel to boost the satellite into its proper orbit.
If successful, the service life of the satellite would be reduced.
DISH Network’s stock closed up $1.13, or 4.24 percent, at $27.77 Tuesday.
