DirecTV 7S, built by Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), is a high-power spot beam satellite that will enable DirecTV to serve additional markets with local channels and add new services. The new satellite will be delivered in the second half of 2003, and will be the second spot beam satellite in the DirecTV fleet following the launch of DirecTV-4S in 2001.

DirecTV-7S generates more than 13 kW of total satellite power at the beginning of its life and is designed to operate from orbital locations at 101 degrees West longitude, the primary orbital slot for DirecTV, or 119 degrees West longitude.

In one operating mode, the new satellite will be capable of providing up to 54 transponders for high-quality local and national digital video service broadcast into 27 beams. In its other configuration, the satellite will be capable of providing up to 44 transponders broadcast into 30 beams.