Broadcast services began in mid-1994. Competitors include the similar Primestar and USSB services, as well as older C-band satellite services and cable TV companies. Spacecraft DirecTV uses the Hughes HS-601 spacecraft design. 3-Axis stabilized, zero momentum biased control system. The 2.5 m diameter graphite transmit reflector performs beam shaping.
Power is higher in areas with heavy rain.
The high power combined with Reed Solomon error correction coding allow the use of small 18 inch antennas by customers. Hughes Size Solar arrays span 31 m Orbit Geosynchronous Design Life 12 years Launch Facts Name Int'l Desig.