# DirecTV 8

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q1227411](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1227411)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/directv-8

## Summary
DirecTV 8 is a communications satellite launched on May 22, 2005, using a Proton-M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200. It is part of DirecTV's satellite fleet, designed for telecommunications, and was launched with a Briz-M upper stage.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Communications satellite
- **Launch date**: May 22, 2005
- **Launch vehicle**: Proton-M
- **Launch site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200
- **Upper stage**: Briz-M
- **COSPAR ID**: 2005-019A
- **Wikidata ID**: Q28659
- **Aliases**: DirecTV-8
- **Wikipedia availability**: German (de), Portuguese (pt)

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is DirecTV 8?
A: DirecTV 8 is a communications satellite designed for telecommunications.

### Q: When was DirecTV 8 launched?
A: DirecTV 8 was launched on May 22, 2005.

### Q: Which rocket launched DirecTV 8?
A: DirecTV 8 was launched using a Proton-M rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200.

### Q: What was the upper stage used for DirecTV 8's launch?
A: The Briz-M upper stage was used for DirecTV 8's launch.

### Q: What is DirecTV 8's COSPAR ID?
A: DirecTV 8's COSPAR ID is 2005-019A.

## Why It Matters
DirecTV 8 played a crucial role in expanding DirecTV's satellite communications network. As part of the DirecTV fleet, it contributed to the delivery of direct-to-home (DTH) television services, providing high-quality broadcasting to subscribers. Its successful deployment demonstrated the reliability of the Proton-M launch vehicle and the Briz-M upper stage, which are part of the Russian space launch infrastructure. The satellite's operation supported DirecTV's mission to deliver entertainment and information directly to consumers, enhancing its position in the global satellite communications market.

## Notable For
- **First DirecTV satellite launched in 2005**: DirecTV 8 was one of the first satellites in the DirecTV constellation to be deployed in that year.
- **Proton-M launch**: The satellite's launch marked a successful use of the Proton-M rocket, which is part of the Russian space program.
- **Briz-M upper stage**: The Briz-M upper stage played a critical role in placing DirecTV 8 into its intended orbit.
- **Telecommunications role**: DirecTV 8 supported DirecTV's mission to provide direct-to-home television services.

## Body
### Overview
DirecTV 8 is a communications satellite that was launched on May 22, 2005, as part of DirecTV's satellite fleet. It was designed to support telecommunications, including direct-to-home television broadcasting.

### Launch Details
- **Launch vehicle**: Proton-M
- **Launch site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200
- **Upper stage**: Briz-M
- **COSPAR ID**: 2005-019A

### Classification
- **Instance of**: Communications satellite
- **Aliases**: DirecTV-8

### Wikipedia Presence
- Available in German (de) and Portuguese (pt) Wikipedia.

### Wikidata Information
- **Wikidata ID**: Q28659
- **Description**: Communications satellite

### Google Knowledge Graph
- **ID**: /g/120m0fg4

### Wolfram Language Entity
- **Code**: Entity["Satellite", "28659"]

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report