[09-18-07 – Satellite Today] In-orbit testing of the DirecTV 10 satellite has uncovered problems with some of the spacecraft’s spot beams, DirecTV announced Sept. 14.

DirecTV 10, which will be used to deliver high-definition (HD) programming throughout the United States, was placed into orbit in July by a Proton rocket. Testing found “that a portion of the anticipated spot-beam capability may not be fully available,” the company said.

The spot beams will be used to deliver local HD channels to customers. DirecTV is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the problem and try to develop means to mitigate the issue, but the company does not believe the delivery of local programming will be affected.

DirecTV 10 is based on a Boeing 702 platform. The company also is manufacturing the DirecTV 11 satellite, which is slated to be placed into orbit in 2008.

Between the two satellites, DirecTV will be capable of delivering more than 1,500 local HD channels and 150 national HD channels as well as new programming services, the company said.