Arianespace and DIRECTV announced today a new launch contract for a satellite providing services for DIRECTV Latin America. The launch will take place in 2014 from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana on an Ariane 5.
DIRECTV has exercised an option in their multi-launch contract with Arianespace for the launch of an additional satellite that will provide services for DIRECTV Latin America. Arianespace has already been contracted to launch DIRECTV-14 and 15 within the same time frame. This new contract is the 9th signed in 2011 by Arianespace for the launch of a commercial satellite.
DIRECTV, one of the world’s leading providers of television entertainment services, will utilize the satellite capacity to expand the delivery of high definition, 3-D television and cinema programming across Latin America.
The satellite, under construction at Space Systems/Loral for DIRECTV, will have a mass of approximately 6.3 metric tons and is scheduled for delivery in 2014. The satellite will be located at the 95 degrees West orbital location.
“We are honored that DIRECTV has entrusted yet another satellite launch to Arianespace. The new contract reinforces our partnership with DIRECTV and validates the strength of our launch service and solutions offer,” said Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman & CEO of Arianespace.
Romulo Pontual, Chief Technology Officer of DIRECTV said, “DIRECTV has confidence in Arianespace and the tried and true Ariane 5 to deliver our newest satellite, for Latin America. We are excited to be working with Arianespace to bring additional capacity for state-of-the-art television programming to the Latin American region.”
“The new satellite to be launched by Arianespace will be one of two that will support our PanAmericana businesses and provide us with the capacity to deliver superior products and services to the growing customer base in that region,” said Bruce Churchill, president of DIRECTV Latin America. “We’re looking forward to another successful Arianespace launch.”
About DIRECTV
DIRECTV (NASDAQ: DTV) is one of the world’s leading providers of digital television entertainment services delivering a premium video experience through state-of-the-art technology, unmatched programming and industry leading customer service to more than 30.8 million customers in the U.S. and Latin America. In the U.S., DIRECTV offers its 19.7 million customers access to more than 170 HD channels and Dolby-Digital(R) 5.1 theater-quality sound, access to exclusive sports programming such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET(TM), Emmy- award winning technology and higher customer satisfaction than the leading cable companies for ten years running.
DIRECTV Latin America, through its subsidiaries and affiliated companies in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, and other Latin American countries, leads the pay-TV category in technology, programming and service, delivering an unrivaled digital television experience to more than 11.1 million customers. DIRECTV sports and entertainment properties include three Regional Sports Networks (Northwest, Rocky Mountain and Pittsburgh) as well as a 60 percent interest in Game Show Network. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please visit www.directv.com.
About Arianespace
Arianespace is the world’s leading launch service & solutions company, providing innovation to its customers since 1980. Backed by 21 shareholders and theEuropean Space Agency, Arianespace offers an unrivalled family of launchers, comprising Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega, and an international workforce renowned for a culture of commitment and excellence. As of 15 September 2011, Arianespace had launched with Ariane launchers a total of 296 payloads, including more than half of all the commercial satellites now in service worldwide. It has a backlog of 20 Ariane 5 and 17 Soyuz launches, equal to more than three years of business.
