DirecTV Looks to Drift SkyB1 to Permanent Orbit Later This Month

Starting March 18, DirecTV wants to begin drifting its SkyB1 satellite from 33 degrees west to its permanent home at 43.15 degrees west. In a request for special temporary authority filed Thursday with the FCC International Bureau, DirecTV said the in-orbit testing of the satellite -- launched last month -- began Wednesday and is expected to run until March 18. It said the drift is expected to take about 10 days. DirecTV said it will begin in-orbit testing of Ka-band frequencies after the satellite relocates due to coordination challenges.