[Satellite TODAY 12-30-09] International Launch Services (ILS) successfully launched the DirecTV-12 satellite aboard a Proton Breeze M rocket from the Khrunichev Research and Production Center in Baikonur, ILS announced Dec. 29.
    The satellite, built by Boeing based on its 702 platform, aims to expand the U.S. pay-TV provider’s HD capacity in order to offer up to 200 high-definition channels.
    "The new satellite will increase the number of local HD markets DirecTV will serve and significantly expand movie choices on the DirecTV Cinema and DirecTV on Demand services," the company said in a statement,
    DirecTV-12 is expected to be operational in the early second quarter of 2010.