DirecTV 11 Launch Remains On Hold

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Yesterday was the date DirecTV 11 was supposed to have launched. Such did not occur, as the sea-based mobile launching system company Sea Launch placed the countdown on hold. There was an "issue" that required study and, as of yesterday, the launch remained on hold as the company continues to review data. Robert Mercer of DirecTV indicated this launch delay would not impact the company's expansion plans for HD. When there is a successful launch, the DirecTV 11 comsat will be the fourth satellite deployment by Sea Launch for DirecTV. Based on the Boeing 702 model satellite with an advanced xenon ion propulsion system (XIPS), DirecTV 11 is one of the most powerful Ka-band satellites that has been built to date. Suited to modularity for customer customization, the payload module mounts to the common bus module at only four locations and with only six electrical connectors. DirecTV 11 will co-locate with the Spaceway-2 satellite in the vicinity of 99.2° W. During a search for potential launch dates, a check of the Wikipedia Portal: Spaceflight page indicated March 19th, between 22:49 and 23:47 GMT, is a possible window for the Sea Launch Zenit-3SL launch vehicle's next liftoff attempt. This has not been verified by Sea Launch.

 
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