DIRECTV 8

Vehicle: Proton M/ Breeze M

The Satellite

• Satellite Operator: DIRECTV
• Satellite Manufacturer: Space Systems/ Loral
• Purpose: Direct-to-Home
• Platform: FS-1300
• Separated Mass: 3711 kg
• Satellite Design Life: 12 years

Highlights

• 2nd ILS launch for DIRECTV on Proton
• 16th ILS launch of a Space Systems/Loral built satellite
• 2nd ILS Proton launch of 2005
• 313th Proton launch

Latest News

ILS Proton Successfully Launches Satellite for DIRECTV 8

Launch Resources

• Media Advisory

Final Details of the Launch and Separation

• The liftoff of the ILS Proton Breeze M with DIRECTV 8 occurred successfully 11:59 p.m. local time on May 22, (13:59 EDT, 17:59 GMT) as scheduled.
• Nominal separation of the satellite occurred at 9:14 a.m. local time, May 23, (May 22, 23:14 EDT, May 23, 03:14 GMT)
• Separation of the DIRECTV 8 satellite occured approximately 9 hours and 15 minutes after liftoff.
• Orbit Parameters: Predicted: 15130 km x 35,786 km x 7.9 degrees.