Boeing has announced that it has completed the on-orbit handover of the DIRECTV 12 satellite. DIRECTV will use the Boeing 702HP satellite to provide high-definition television (HDTV) broadcasting to local and national markets throughout the United States.

"Boeing is proud to continue its delivery of highly capable satellites that enable DIRECTV to expand its channel offering," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. "This marks the 10th satellite provided to DIRECTV by Boeing."

DIRECTV 12 launched into orbit on Dec. 28 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan aboard an International Launch Services Proton M rocket. Now that Boeing has completed the orbital maneuvers and checkout procedures necessary for the handover, the satellite will be monitored and controlled for DIRECTV by Intelsat.

Boeing manufactured DIRECTV 12 at its satellite integration and test complex in El Segundo. The satellite's powerful payload integrates 90 active and 24 spare Ka-band transponders. Its antenna receives and transmits digital programming throughout the United States with two Ka-band reflectors that each measure 2.8 meters in diameter, and nine smaller Ka-band reflectors.