Boeing announced Oct. 10 the on-orbit delivery of the Spaceway F1 satellite to DirecTV Inc. The satellite will enable DirecTV to broadcast local high-definition television (HDTV) channels into several of the largest markets in the United States. Sea Launch LLC placed Spaceway F1 to orbit April 26 via a Zenit-3SL launch vehicle.

Spaceway F1, and sister satellite Spaceway F2, scheduled for launch later this year, are among DirecTV’s next generation of direct-to-home satellites featuring adaptable spot beam technology and reconfigurable routing will allow DirecTV to bring HDTV local service to most U.S. television households.