SOURCE: SkyREPORT.com (Tuesday October 17, 2006)
‘The new DIRECTV9S DBS satellite - built by Space Systems/Loral for the nation's largest satellite TV provider - successfully took flight on a day that traditionally has given people cause to worry. On Friday the 13th, DIRECTV9S utilized an Ariane 5 ECA rocket to carry it into geosynchronous transfer orbit from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
According to DIRECTV, expanding it's fleet of satellites with DIRECTV9S will provide the company extra flexibility to maximize services via multiple frequency bands and the ability to power local service from multiple orbital slots.
"Our work with Space Systems/Loral and the addition of DIRECTV9S will help us ensure that we have a robust and technically advanced satellite fleet to maintain that level of quality," said Phil Goswitz, VP of space and communications for DIRECTV.
The satellite, a version of SS/L's 1300 satellite platform designed for DIRECTV's payload requirements is similar to DIRECTV7S - launched in May 2004 - with the addition of two Ka-band transponders, the companies said.
Weighing approximately 5,530 kg at liftoff, DIRECTV9S will be positioned at 101 degrees West longitude and is fitted with 52 high-power Ku-band transponders and 2 Ka-band transponders. With a design life of 15 years, the satellite will provide direct broadcasts for high-quality local and national digital video service using advanced digital compression technology.’
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