spacetoday.net: Ariane 5 launches two broadcasting satellites

Ariane 5 launches two broadcasting satellites

Posted: Thu, May 28, 2015, 11:05 AM ET (1505 GMT)
Ariane 5 launch of DIRECTV 15 and SKYM-1 (Arianespace)

An Ariane 5 successfully launched two direct TV broadcasting satellites for DIRECTV and a Mexican affiliate Wednesday. The Ariane 5 ECA lifted off on schedule at 5:16 pm EDT and placed the DIRECTV 15 and SKYM-1 satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbit. The 6,200-kilogram DIRECTV, built by Airbus Defence and Space, will be used by DIRECTV to broadcast television programming, including in ultra-high-definition 4K format, for customers in the US. SKYM-1, built by Orbital ATK and weighing 3,000 kilograms at launch, will be used by SKY Mexico at 78.8 degrees west for high-definition television services in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The launch was the second Ariane 5 mission in 2015.