Boeing Company, the builder of the new satellite for DIRECTV reported receiving on-board signals from the satellite today. The DIRECTV 11 satellite was launched yesterday from the Pacific Ocean by Sea Launch after a 48 hour delay.
It was the ninth satellite that Boeing has built for DIRECTV, and the 13,000+ pound satellite will sport a wingspan of 157 feet once fully deployed.
According to Boeing, that indicates the satellite is “healthy and operating normally.” That is obviously good news for DIRECTV executives, who had to be holding their breath after DISH Network’s “anomaly” just a few days ago. It is also good news for DIRECTV customers, who can expect more HD from the satellite TV broadcaster.
DIRECTV issued its own press release on the launch, playing up the HD potential of the new satellite. The latest expectations include up to 150 national HD channels, and more than 100 local HD markets using spot beam technology.
Once fully deployed, over 84% of US television households should be able to access local HD through Direct TV. The company expects the new satellite to go into service this fall, early September being the current target date.
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That is good news. I bet those guys were holding their breath on this one.