14 DAY TRIAL // An American telecommunications satellite, Galaxy-14, has been put into a target orbit and separated from the Soyuz-Fregat launcher's upper stage, Mosnews says.
Galaxy-14 was designed by Orbital Sciences Corporation for PanAmSat. It is a Star-2 Bus model, which will deliver commercial video programming in the U.S. and provide Internet services. Its active service life is 15 years.
Galaxy 14 is the 24th satellite in PanAmSat's fleet. Although designated a back-up satellite, the powerful all C-band spacecraft is designed to deliver digital video programming, high-definition television (HDTV), VOD and IPTV service throughout the continental U.S.
"Today's successful launch of Galaxy 14 expands PanAmSat's position as the leader in U.S. programming delivery. It gives PanAmSat's customers another powerful satellite capable of supporting such advanced services as HDTV, VOD and IPTV," said Joe Wright, chief executive officer of PanAmSat.