DirecTV 7S, 9S → AT&T T-7S, 9S

DirecTV 7S [SSL]

DirecTV 7S, built by Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), is a high-power spot beam satellite that will enable DirecTV to serve additional markets with local channels and add new services. The new satellite will be delivered in the second half of 2003, and will be the second spot beam satellite in the DirecTV fleet following the launch of DirecTV-4S in 2001.

DirecTV-7S generates more than 13 kW of total satellite power at the beginning of its life and is designed to operate from orbital locations at 101 degrees West longitude, the primary orbital slot for DirecTV, or 119 degrees West longitude.

In one operating mode, the new satellite will be capable of providing up to 54 transponders for high-quality local and national digital video service broadcast into 27 beams. In its other configuration, the satellite will be capable of providing up to 44 transponders broadcast into 30 beams.

DirecTV 9S, scheduled for delivery in the late second quarter of 2005, is designed to operate from orbital locations at 101 degrees West longitude or 119 degrees West longitude. As a back-up for DirecTV's 4S and 7S satellites, it will be capable of providing up to 54 transponders for high-quality local and national digital video service broadcast into 27 beams. In an alternate configuration, the satellite will be capable of providing up to 44 transponders broadcast into 30 beams.

The spacecraft is a version of SS/L's space-proven SSL-1300 satellite platform, which has an excellent record of reliable operation. The geostationary SSL-1300 has a designed service life of 15 years and maintains station-keeping and orbital stability by using bipropellant propulsion and momentum-bias systems.

A system of high efficiency solar arrays and lightweight batteries provides uninterrupted electrical power.