Arianespace Flight146: DIRECTV-4S is “fit” for launch

Fit checks have been completed with the DIRECTV-4S satellite and its payload
adapter – which will be used to mount the spacecraft atop the Ariane 4
launcher.

This activity was performed in the clean room of the Spaceport’s satellite
preparation building as preparations move ahead for Flight 146’s November 27
launch (photo, right). In the background is the two-piece payload fairing
that will protect DIRECTV-4S during launch.

DIRECTV-4S will be the first spacecraft in the DIRECTV fleet to use highly
focused spot beam technology, allowing the company to expand its local
channel offerings in metropolitan markets.

Two of the Boeing-built spacecraft’s five antennas are visible stowed
against the side of the satellite, and two more are folded face-to-face atop
the satellite. DIRECTV-4S carries a total of five antennas: three spot beam
transmit reflectors, one national transmit reflector, and one spot and
national receive reflector.

Once in space, the five antennas will deploy to form an antenna “cluster” as
seen from Earth. The drawing below illustrates how DIRECTV-4S will look with
its antennas and solar arrays extended.

The highly focused spot beam technology used on DIRECTV-4S will provide
DIRECTV with the capacity to deliver more than 300 additional local channels
to its 41 local channel markets. It also will enable DIRECTV to meet the
“must carry” requirements of the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act that
will take effect on Jan. 1, 2002.