DIRECTV 7S Successfully Delivered On Sea Launch Vehicle

Space Systems Loral-built Spot Beam Satellite Will Significantly Expand DIRECTV Local Channel Coverage

7-May-04

DIRECTV 7S, a spot beam satellite that will deliver hundreds of local channels to DIRECTV customers in more than 60 markets, was launched successfully today from the ocean-based Sea Launch platform. DIRECTV 7S, a Space Systems/Loral-built 1300 model spacecraft and the second spot beam satellite in the DIRECTV fleet, lifted off from the Odyssey Launch Platform aboard a Sea Launch Zenit-3SL rocket from the equatorial launch site at 154 degrees west longitude. The satellite will enable DIRECTV to expand its local channel programming to an additional 42 markets and transmit local channels to 19 existing local-into-local markets, freeing up capacity on other DIRECTV satellites for delivery of more local channels and other new services. DIRECTV plans to offer local channels in a minimum of 130 markets -- representing 92 percent of U.S. TV households -- by year end. ""We applaud the diligent efforts of the Space Systems/Loral and Sea Launch teams over the past several weeks that culminated today in a spectacular and flawless lift off,"" said Mitchell Stern, president and CEO, DIRECTV, Inc. ""There is no understating the importance of the role DIRECTV 7S plays in our plans to turn up the heat on cable in more local channel markets, and our ability to continue to roll out other new services for our customers."" Twenty-nine minutes after liftoff, the rocket left the spacecraft in a geosynchronous transfer orbit with a high point of 22,300 miles (36,000 km) above the equator. Controllers at the Weilheim, Germany ground station have made contact with the satellite and confirmed that all systems are functioning properly. During the next two weeks, controllers will maneuver the spacecraft into a circular orbit; deploy the antennas and solar arrays; and test operational functions, communications payload and the propulsion system. DIRECTV expects to begin offering services from DIRECTV 7S at the 119 degree west longitude orbital slot by early June. DIRECTV 7S is the second DIRECTV satellite to be launched on a Zenit-3SL vehicle. In October, 1999, Sea Launch successfully delivered DIRECTV 1R to orbit. For more information, please visit www.directv.com.

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