DirecTV 15 Bird Steps Toward May Launch

DirecTV 15, a new satellite that will bring more 4K capabilities to DirecTV, has taken a big step toward its anticipated launch this May.

Airbus Defence and Space announced Monday that DirecTV had left the company’s cleanrooms in Toulouse, France, and is now being shipped to Kourou, French Guiana, for launch by Ariane 5 in May.

The satellite will provide capacity for additional digital TV services for DirecTV’s U.S. customers, including DirecTV's ambitious 4K plans. Based on the Eurostar E3000 platform, the new satellite will pack more than 150 radio frequency amplifiers.

DirecTV 14, launched in December 2014, will add more VOD capacity and live streaming capabilities for DirecTV, which launched a limited 4K offering last November.