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Spaceway 2 Is Readied For Its Launch On Ariane 5
Kourou, French Guiana (SPX) Oct 26, 2005 Preparations for Arianespace's next dual-payload Ariane 5 mission have marked another important step with the fueling of DirecTV's Spaceway 2 satellite at the Spaceport in French Guiana. Spaceway 2 has a liftoff mass of approximately 5,990 kg. and will be carried with the 1,930-kg. Telkom 2 spacecraft on a mission utilizing the increased-performance capabilities of Arianespace's heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA launcher. Spaceway 1 and Spaceway 2 will have the capacity for more than 500 local HD channels. With these satellites, DirecTV will have the ability to bring local HD programming to most of the U.S. population, as well as continuing to expand standard-definition local offerings and other enhancements. The next two satellites, DirecTV 10 and DirecTV 11, will launch in early 2007. These satellites will have the capacity for more than 1,000 additional local HD channels, more than 150 national HD channels, and other new programming offerings. These satellites will provide DirecTV the capability to bring local and national HD programming and other advanced services to every U.S. household. Consumers will be able to receive all of these services, as well as existing DirecTV programming, with a single small satellite dish. DirecTV 10 and DirecTV 11, to be built by Boeing, will be among the largest and most powerful Ka-band satellites ever launched. The satellites, which will take advantage of DirecTV's advanced transmission techniques and state-of-the-art video compression technology, will deliver national HD programming and will be capable of supporting spot beams carrying local HD broadcast channels in all 50 states. Boeing will also build a third satellite for DirecTV that will serve as a ground spare. Earlier this year, DirecTV introduced the DirecTV HD DVR, the most advanced DVR in the world. The DirecTV HD DVR enables consumers to record and play back HD programming, record a show while watching another or record two shows simultaneously. It seamlessly supports all these features for HDTV transmissions, standard-definition programming and off-air ATSC broadcasts, all through an integrated advanced program guide. The DirecTV HD DVR allows customers to record more than 30 hours of HD programming or up to 200 hours of standard-definition programming. Related Links DirecTV SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express
Ban On Russian Rokot Launches Lifted
Moscow, Russia (SPX) Oct 26, 2005The ban on launches of Russian Rokot boosters, which were blamed for the recent loss of a 140-million euro satellite belonging to the European Space Agency, has been lifted, a spokesman for the Russian Space Forces told RIA Novosti Tuesday. |
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