|
The spacecraft will use spot beam
technology, which will enable DirecTV to expand its local channel
offerings in metropolitan markets. DirecTV will use the satellite
to expand local TV offerings into cities that it doesn't currently
serve. The
satellite will also help DirecTV meet must-carry mandates that
begin Jan. 1, 2002. DirecTV-4S will further strengthen
DirecTV’s in-orbit redundancy. The spacecraft was ordered in
December 1999.
DirecTV-4S uses the Ku-band
frequency and carries spot beams for local channels and a national
beam payload. The spot beam payload will use a total of 38
traveling wave-tube amplifiers (TWTAs), powered by a combination
of 30-watt, 45-watt, 65-watt, and 88-watt TWTAs. The national beam
payload will carry two active transponders with further capability
for two active high power and six active low power transponders.
The operations control center for DirecTV satellites is in Long
Beach, Calif.; telemetry and command terminals are in Castle Rock,
Colo., and Spring Creek, N.Y. Uplink is from the DirecTVCastle
Rock (Co) Broadcast Center, and the Los Angeles Broadcast Center.
| DirecTV
4S
|
|
SPACECRAFT
|
| Int'l Designation |
2001 052A
|
Launched
|
| Owner / Sponsor |
DirecTV
Inc.
|
| Mission |
Telecommunication
|
| Manufacturer / bus |
Boeing Satellite
Systems
|
BSS
601 HP
|
| Launch Mass |
4247
kg (9360 lbm)
|
| Dimensions, stowed |
2.7
x 3.6 x 4 m (8 ft 10 in x 11 ft 9 in x 21.7 ft 3 in)
|
| Mission Orbit |
GSO
|
101°W
|
| Transponders |
48
Ku-band
|
| Design Life |
15
years
|
| Power (EOL) |
8.300
kW
|
|
LAUNCH
|
| Launch Vehicle
Model |
Ariane
44LP |
| Date / Time (UTC) |
2001 November
27
|
0035
|
|
FINANCIAL
|
| Satellite cost |
|
| Web Links |
|
|
