PaAmSat Corporation ordered its fifth satellite from Hughes Space and Communications Company in March 1995, an enhanced version of the Hughes HS 601 model designated HP for High Power. PAS-5 provides satellite services in the Americas, with access to Europe, including direct-to-home television services in Mexico. The Boeing-601HP accommodates payloads twice as powerful as those of regular 601 models, while still offering lifetimes as long as 15 years.