DIRECTV Successfully Launches Two Satellites Significantly Increasing HD and 4K Capacity
May 27 2015 - 6:01PM
Business Wire
DIRECTV-15, A Versatile All CONUS Beam
Satellite, And SKYM-1, SKY MEXICO’s First Owned-and-Operated
Satellite, To Begin Operation in Q3
DIRECTV is expanding its satellite fleet in both the U.S. and
Latin America with the historic 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, successfully launched today at 2:16 p.m. PT 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 U.S. 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,” said Phil Goswitz, senior vice president, Space
and Communications, DIRECTV. “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.”
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. SKY MEXICO is the leading company in the Mexican
pay TV market.
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. Video replays of the launch are available on
www.directv.com.
In December of 2014 DIRECTV successfully launched D-14, which
became operational in Q2 of this year.
About DIRECTV
DIRECTV (NASDAQ: DTV) is one of the world's leading providers of
digital television entertainment services delivering a premium
video experience through state-of-the-art technology, unmatched
programming and industry leading customer service to more than 39
million customers in the U.S. and Latin America. In the U.S.,
DIRECTV offers its over 20 million customers access to more than
200 full-time HD channels and Dolby-Digital® 5.1 theater-quality
sound, access to exclusive sports programming such as NFL SUNDAY
TICKET™, Emmy-award winning technology and higher customer
satisfaction than the leading cable companies for 15 years running.
DIRECTV Latin America, through its subsidiaries and affiliated
companies in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, and
other Latin American countries, leads the pay TV category in
technology, programming and service, delivering an unrivaled
digital television experience to more than 19 million
customers. DIRECTV sports and entertainment properties include
ownership interests and management of four Regional Sports
Networks: ROOT SPORTS Rocky Mountain, Pittsburgh, Southwest and
Northwest; and has minority ownership interests in Game Show
Network. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please
visit www.directv.com.
View source
version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150527006675/en/
DIRECTV, Inc.Jade Ekstedt(310) 964-3429
DTE Energy (NYSE:DTV)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024
DTE Energy (NYSE:DTV)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024