Double DTH success for Arianespace
May 28, 2015
Arianespace has confirmed the successful deployment of DirecTV-15 and SKY México’s SKY México-1.
According to Arianespace, the flight was unique – with both passengers focusing on the same application (direct-to-home television broadcast) and scheduled to operate above the same area of the world (the Americas).
DirecTV-15 is to operate at five different orbital positions between 99 degrees and 119 degrees West – from which it will provide capacity in the Ku-, Ka- and R-bands for DirecTV. SKY México-1 – will be operated for SKY México, which is owned by Mexico’s Grupo Televisa S.A.B. and DIRECTV.
“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 will double HD capacity for SKY México and provide direct-to-home broadcast services to Mexico, Central America, Cuba and the Caribbean, and 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.