International Launch Services (ILS) placed the DirecTV 8 satellite into orbit May 22 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on a Proton Breeze M rocket. Satellite controllers confirmed that the spacecraft is functioning properly.

DirecTV 8, built by Space Systems/Loral for DirecTV Inc., carries Ku- and Ka-band transponders and will reinforce the DirecTV satellite fleet, DirecTV said in a release May 22. The new satellite will take the place of an older satellite at 101 degrees West and will provide a link for DirecTV broadcast facilities in support of the rollout of local digital and high-definition channels in major markets in the fall.