[Satellite TODAY 11-16-11] U.S. Pay-TV operator DirecTV exercised an option in its multi-launch contract with Arianespace to include a mission to send a new DirecTV Latin America service-providing satellite into orbit, the companies confirmed Nov. 14.

   Arianespace will orbit the new spacecraft in 2014 on an Ariane 5 rocket launched from the European Spaceport in French Guiana. The pay-TV operator has already contracted Arianespace to launch DirecTV-14 and DirecTV-15 within the same time frame. The DirecTV Latin America deal represents the ninth commercial satellite launch contract Arianespace has signed in 2011.

   DirecTV said it would utilize the new satellite’s capacity to expand the delivery of high-definition, 3-D television and cinema programming across Latin America.

   The satellite is currently under construction by Space Systems/Loral, scheduled for delivery in 2014 and slated for placement at the 95 degrees West orbital location.

“The new satellite to be launched by Arianespace will be one of two that will support our PanAmericana businesses and provide us with the capacity to deliver superior products and services to the growing customer base in that region,” DirecTV Latin America President Bruce Churchill said in a statement.