SSL-Built DirecTV 14 Satellite Performs Post-Launch Functions

The DirecTV 14 satellite built by Space Systems/Loral was successfully launched. It's performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan, SSL said Monday in a news release. The satellite was launched Saturday from French Guiana on an Ariane 5 launch vehicle, it said. It deployed its solar arrays on schedule and it began firing its main thruster “in order to start maneuvering into geosynchronous orbit,” SSL said. The digital broadcast satellite will be used to provide Ultra HD and other new consumer services, it said.