Space Systems/Loral Selected to Provide High-Power Satellite to DIRECTV

Jun 11, 2010

Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) has entered into a contract to provide a high-power satellite to DIRECTV. The new satellite, DIRECTV 14, which was started earlier this quarter under an authorization to proceed, is a 20 kilowatt spacecraft that will use Ka-band and Reverse DBS to expand the company's video services.

"By employing the world's most advanced technologies, like the highly reliable SS/L 1300 satellite platform, we are able to provide the best video experience to our customers," said Phil Goswitz, vice president, Space & Communications, DIRECTV. "DIRECTV 14 will be the sixth SS/L 1300 satellite platform in DIRECTV's fleet and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Space Systems/Loral and maintaining our leadership as the provider of the most HD and 3D available anywhere."

The 1300 is a decades-proven, modular platform with the industry's highest power capability and flexibility for a broad range of applications. It enables DIRECTV 14 to use Ka-band and reverse band spectrum on a satellite that will help DIRECTV expand its HD programming to both national and local markets. The satellite is designed to provide service for 15 years or more.

"We believe it is a combination of great satellites and excellent service that keeps long-standing customers such as DIRECTV coming back to us for their spacecraft," said John Celli, president of SS/L. "Our satellite platform is well-suited to helping companies make use of newly available spectrum such as RDBS, and our experience with 20-kilowatt-class satellites is unsurpassed. We look forward to helping DIRECTV expand the exceptional viewing experience they provide."

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