Artist’s rendition of the SKYM 1 satellite. Photo: Orbital ATK

[Via Satellite 06-30-2015] DirecTV’s Sky Mexico 1 (SKYM 1) satellite, launched May 27, has completed on-orbit testing and checkout of all spacecraft systems. Orbital ATK, manufacturer of the satellite, handed over full operational control to DirecTV upon completion.

SKYM 1 is based on Orbital ATK’s GEOStar 2 satellite bus, and is equipped with 24 active Ku-band transponders and two active R-band transponders. Orbital ATK built the satellite in 20 months, delivering it four months ahead of the original baseline schedule. The 2,962 kg spacecraft carries enough fuel for an anticipated 20-year mission life.