MUMBAI: DirecTV is expanding its satellite fleet in both the US and Latin America with the dual launch of two new spacecraft that will significantly increase HD capacity, further secure the future of 4K Ultra HD and backup DirecTV ’s existing satellite fleet.
DirecTV -15 (D-15), a versatile all CONUS (Continental United States, including Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico) beam satellite, and Sky Mexico-1 (SKYM-1), Sky Mexico’s first owned-and-operated satellite has been successfully launched on a single ARIANE 5 launch vehicle operated by Arianespace from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
D-15, a more than six ton spacecraft designed and built by Airbus Defence and Space, will be the first DirecTV satellite with the capability to operate in all five DirecTV US orbital slots and in all frequency bands (Ku, Ka and Reverse Band). This is the first all CONUS beam DirecTV satellite to launch in 10 years, and it will expand national capacity for both HD and 4K Ultra HD channels, as well as provide critical backup for existing CONUS transponders.
Controllers made contact with both satellites confirming that all systems are functioning properly.
“We congratulate the launch team and our partners, Arianespace, Airbus Defence and Space, and Orbital ATK on a spectacular and historic launch. D-15, the most versatile spacecraft in the fleet and the robust SKYM-1, secure DirecTV ’s ability to continue delivering the best video experience with the most advanced technology,” said DirecTV senior vice president, space and communications Phil Goswitz.
SKYM-1, weighing in at more than three tons, was built by Orbital ATK on its flight-proven GEOStar-2 platform. The new satellite will double HD capacity for Sky Mexico and provide direct-to-home broadcast services to Mexico, Central America, Cuba and the Caribbean.
D-15, the seventeenth satellite launched for DirecTV and the twelfth owned and currently operated satellite in the DirecTV fleet, will be positioned at 103 degrees West longitude and is designed to provide service for more than 15 years.
SKYM-1 will be positioned at the 79 degrees West longitude orbital slot adding to the IS-21 satellite capabilities at 58 degrees West longitude, and will have a life span of more than 18 years.
In December of 2014 DirecTV successfully launched D-14, which became operational in Q2 of this year.
