DIRECTV 9S, a high-power, flexible, hybrid Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) built by Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) for DIRECTV Inc., was successfully launched today at 1:56 pm PDT. The satellite was put into geosynchronous transfer orbit aboard an Ariane 5 ECA rocket from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Space Systems/Loral is a subsidiary of Loral Space and Communications.
"At DIRECTV, we provide the highest quality services and programming to our customers," said Phil Goswitz, vice president, Space and Communications, DIRECTV, Inc. "Our work with Space Systems/Loral and the addition of DIRECTV 9S to our fleet will help us ensure that we have a robust and technically advanced satellite fleet to maintain that level of quality. The multiple frequency bands and capability to provide high power local TV service from multiple orbital slots provides us with tremendous flexibility to maximize the services we provide our customers."
"DIRECTV is a most valued customer," said John Celli, president, Space Systems/Loral. "Their key support of SS/L and our employees over the years and throughout the DIRECTV 9S program has been extraordinary. We have established a strong and trusting relationship with DIRECTV and are proud to be adding this new spacecraft, SS/L's fifth high-power satellite to operate in DIRECTV's fleet."
The satellite, a version of SS/L's space-proven 1300 satellite platform tailored for DIRECTV's payload requirements, is similar to DIRECTV 7S, launched in May 2004, with the addition of two Ka-band transponders.
DIRECTV 9S will be positioned at 101 degrees West longitude. Weighing approximately 5,530 kg at liftoff, DIRECTV 9S 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.
