Sea Launch Signs With DIRECTV for Launch in 2007

DIRECTV selected Sea Launch for a mission scheduled in early 2007. The contract includes an option for an additional launch. The DIRECTV spacecraft, with a mass of about 6,080 kg, is one of three Boeing 702 model spacecraft DIRECTV has ordered from Boeing Satellite Systems and is among the largest and most powerful Ka-band satellites ever built. The new satellite will use state-of-the-art video compression technology to deliver national high-definition (HD) programming and will be capable of supporting spot beams carrying local HD broadcast channels in all 50 states.
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