While its further development has now been stopped, the Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle still serves Arianespace well. It has successfully launched the DirecTV-14 and GSAT-16 communications satellites for DirecTV and ISRO respectively from its launch site in Kourou, French Guiana on 6 December 2014 at 2040 GMT.
Built by Space Systems/Loral, DirecTV-14 will provide Ultra-high Definition (UHD) direct broadcasting services via its 18″reverse band” equivalent transponders and via 16 Ka-band transponders. The 6,300kg satellite reportedly can generate 21kW of power from its two solar arrays and will provide services for the Americas from Geostationary orbit at 261 degrees East (99 degrees West). Built, owned and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the 3,200kg GSAT-16 carries 12 Ku-band and 24 C-/extended-C-band transponders and will be located in its geostationary position over 55 degrees East.