DirecTV-15, the broadcaster’s latest satellite, and a key element in its 4K/Ultra HD broadcasting plans, is ready for launch on May 27th by an Arianespace rocket from Kourou in French Guiana.

Together with a smaller satellite for its Mexican subsidiary, Sky Mexico-1, the two spacecraft will significantly boost capacity and channels available to viewers over North America, and Sky Mexico’s Central America and Caribbean region.

DirecTV itself will carry 28 active Ku-band and 25 Ka-band transponders, and supply bandwidth for HD and 4K/Ultra HDTV broadcasts.

Launch is scheduled for May 27th at between 6.16pm – 7.40pm (EST). Arianespace will carry the launch live.

DirecTV-15 was built by Airbus Space and uses the company’s popular EuroStar E3000 platform. Sky Mexico-1 was built by Orbital-ATK.

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Categories: Articles, DTH/Satellite, Ultra-HD/4K