"All in-orbit testing has been successfully completed and we are pleased to deliver this incredibly sophisticated satellite to our long-time and valued customer – DirecTV," said Steve O'Neill, vice president of Boeing's commercial and civil satellite programs.

"Spaceway F1 includes an innovative, on-board digital processor and a flexible payload with a fully steerable downlink antenna that can be reconfigured on orbit to seamlessly address market conditions."

Spaceway F1, and its sister satellite, Spaceway F2, are among DirecTV's next generation of direct-to-home (DTH) broadcast satellites. The spacecrafts' adaptable spot beam technology and reconfigurable routing will allow DirecTV to bring HDTV local service to most U.S. television households. Spaceway F2 is scheduled for launch later this year.

"Our historic expansion of programming capacity will be made possible with the proven technology integrated aboard Spaceway F1 and three other Boeing-built satellites that we are launching over the next two years," said Jim Butterworth, senior vice president, Communications Systems, DirecTV.

"Boeing's leadership in building quality satellites is instrumental in our initiative to deliver more than 1,500 local HD channels and more than 150 national HD channels and other advanced programming services to customers nationwide by 2007."

Related Links
SpaceDaily
Search SpaceDaily
Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express