New DIRECTV satellite reaches orbit

DIRECTV 9S, a high-power, flexible, hybrid Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) was successfully launched Oct. 13 aboard an Ariane 5 ECA rocket from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana

Built by Space Systems/Loral, DIRECTV 9S will be positioned at 101 degrees west longitude. The satellite is fitted with 52 high-power Ku-band transponders and two Ka-band transponders and is designed for a 15-year life.