The launch of DirecTV 15, the US’ most powerful television broadcasting satellite, is scheduled for May 27th from Kourou on board an Ariane 5 launcher. Airbus Defence and Space, the world’s second largest space company, is the prime contractor for both the Ariane 5 launcher and DirecTV 15.

“DirecTV 15 is not just the 100th telecommunications satellite we have built for geostationary orbit – it is also the most powerful television broadcasting satellite ever built in Europe, the most powerful used in the USA and our eighth satellite to use electric propulsion for station-keeping,” explained François Auque, Head of Space Systems. “This launch once more highlights the expertise and competitiveness of Airbus Defence and Space as the prime contractor for both the DirecTV 15 satellite and the Ariane 5 launcher.”

Based on the proven highly-reliable Eurostar E3000 platform, DirecTV 15 will have a launch mass of 6,200 kilograms and an end-of-life power of 18 kW. It will carry a record number of radiofrequency power amplifiers (more than 150). Covering the entirety of the US, DirecTV 15 will provide additional digital television services to more than 20 million DirecTV users there.

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