Rainbow 1 is a direct broadcasting satellite, which was ordered by Cablevision from Lockheed Martin, using the A2100AX bus. Cablevision remains very secretive about the details of this satellite, which features 36 Ku-Band transponders in 26 spot beams. Rainbow 1 will be positioned at 61,5° west and is to begin operations in december 2003. The design life of the spacecraft is 18 years.