Called DIRECTV 10, the spacecraft will launch on July 6 at 9:16 p.m. ET from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, using an International Launch Services Proton rocket.
If successful, the satellite should be operational in roughly 30-45 days, although DIRECTV is not likely to begin adding high-def channels until early September. The satcaster will require some time to test the satellite under real conditions.
DIRECTV says it will offer 100 HD channels by year's end, but many are scheduled to be added in September.
The satellite service is expected to launch the second satellite designated for HD next year. After that satellite is operational, DIRECTV says it will have the capacity for up to 150 HDTV channels and local HD channels in most markets.
DIRECTV has not revealed a backup plan in case either satellite fails.
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