The Spaceway F2 satellite initially began broadcasting local HD programming to DIRECTV customers in eight new markets, and will begin broadcasting to an additional 16 markets by mid-year. DIRECTV launched 12 HD local markets last year on Spaceway F1. Launched by Arianespace on Nov. 16, 2005, from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana, Spaceway F2 is the seventh Boeing-built satellite for DIRECTV. Boeing is building DIRECTV 10, DIRECTV 11 and an on-ground spare that will enable DIRECTV to significantly expand its delivery of local and national HD programming to customers across the continental United States, Hawaii and Alaska in 2007.