directv14

Commercial satellite provider Space Systems/Loral (SSL) has delivered DIRECTV 14 satellite constructed for US-based DIRECTV.

The satellite has been delivered to the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, with planned launch aboard an Ariane 5 vehicle later this year.

SSL president John Celli said: "I would like to thank DIRECTV for giving us the opportunity to build this powerful and complex satellite that will enhance entertainment and video services in North America.

"We are pleased that the satellite has arrived safely at the launch base and look forward to the launch later this year."

The new build satellite is 20kW class Ka-band and reverse-band digital broadcast satellite, which is capable of delivering ultra HD and other consumer services.

DIRECTV 14 has been designed with an advanced beam forming network to provide service across the US, including Alaska and Hawaii and Puerto Rico, SSL said.

"The new build satellite is 20kW class Ka-band and reverse-band digital broadcast satellite, which is capable of delivering ultra HD."

DIRECTV Space & Communications senior vice-president Phil Goswitz said: "DIRECTV 14 shows our commitment to the latest in satellite technology, including the development of a full broadcast payload for Reverse Band DBS spectrum and the leading edge delivery of 4K UltraHD video services."

The system is based on SSL 1300 platform that offers high-power and the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. It will be placed at 99° west longitude with a service life of more than 15 years.

The new delivery expands the DIRECTV’s fleet with the sixth SSL-built satellite based on 1300 satellite platform.

DIRECTV provides hundreds of channels to more than 31 million customers in the US and Latin America.

Recently, Arianespace has launched a telecommunications satellites named Intelsat 30 that hosting the DLA-1 Ku-band payload for DIRECTV.

Image: the new build satellite DIRECTV 14. Photo: courtesy of SSL.