Press releases

PALO ALTO, Calif. – September 12, 2017 — SSL,  a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, today announced today announced that the multi-mission Amazonas 5 satellite, designed and built for HISPASAT, was launched yesterday and is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard a Proton Breeze M launch vehicle provided by International Launch Services (ILS), and it will begin firing its main thruster tomorrow to propel toward its final geostationary orbit. The satellite will be used for video content delivery and internet connectivity in Latin America.

“It is an honor to support HISPASAT in its efforts to bridge the digital divide in Latin America,” said Dario Zamarian, group president, SSL. “SSL is focused on technology advances that drive value for our customers and help maintain satellite’s important role as part of the world’s greater telecommunications infrastructure. With Amazonas 5 we have provided a satellite with state-of-the-art technology for advanced television services and fast and affordable broadband.” 

Amazonas 5 has 34 Ka-band spot beams and 24 Ku-band transponders, which will be used for broadband internet services, television, corporate networks, and other telecommunications applications in Brazil and Latin America. With this new satellite, the HISPASAT Group will help provide connectivity services to more than half a million people in Latin America and Brazil, and will enable broadcasting 500 new TV channels.

“SSL has been an innovative and reliable manufacturing partner in the expansion of our satellite fleet, and we are pleased that the satellite is performing as expected,” said Carlos Espinós, chief executive officer of HISPASAT. “As a leader in content delivery and connectivity via satellite, Amazonas 5 helps us meet the demand for advanced television services and fast broadband Latin America.”

Amazonas 5 is the third satellite that SSL has provided to HISPASAT and the company is also building HISPASAT 30W-6, which is expected to launch later this year. SSL built Amazonas 3, Latin America’s first satellite with a high throughput payload for broadband internet, and HISPASAT 30W-5, which was launched in 2010. Based on the SSL 1300 platform, Amazonas 5 will be located at 61°W longitude and is designed to provide service for 15 years or more.

Please visit SSL’s new website which reflects the company’s broad capabilities as a provider of integrated space technologies and systems.

 

About HISPASAT
HISPASAT is comprised of companies that have a presence in Spain as well as in Latin America, where its Brazilian affiliate HISPAMAR is based. HISPASAT is a world leader in the distribution and broadcasting of Spanish and Portuguese content, and its satellite fleet is used by important direct-to-home television (DTH) and high-definition television (HDTV) digital platforms. HISPASAT also provides satellite broadband services and other added value solutions to governments, corporations and telecommunication operators in America, Europe and North Africa. HISPASAT is one of the world's largest companies in its sector in terms of revenue, and the main communications bridge between Europe and the Americas. www.hispasat.com  

About SSL
Space Systems Loral (SSL), based in Palo Alto, California, is a leading provider of advanced spacecraft systems, with broad expertise to support commercial and government satellite operators and innovative space missions. The company designs and manufactures spacecraft for services such as direct-to-home television, video content distribution, broadband internet, mobile communications, in-orbit servicing, space exploration, and Earth observation. As a Silicon Valley innovator for 60 years, SSL’s advanced product line includes state-of-the-art small satellites, and sophisticated robotics and autonomous solutions for remote operations.  SSL is a subsidiary of SSL MDA Holdings, Inc., a U.S. operating company.  For more information, visit www.sslmda.com.

About SSL MDA Holdings
SSL MDA Holdings is a wholly owned subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) and serves as the operating company for all MDA businesses. SSL MDA Holdings is headquartered in
San Francisco, California.

About MDA
MDA is a global communications and information company providing operational solutions to commercial and government organizations worldwide. MDA’s business is focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential, primarily in the Communications sector and the Surveillance and Intelligence sector. In addition, the Company conducts a significant amount of advanced technology development.  MDA’s established global customer base is served by more than 4,800 employees operating from 15 locations in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The Company’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol TSX:MDA. For more information, visit www.mdacorporation.com.

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (“MDA”) with respect to future events and financial performance.  The forward-looking statements in this regard include statements regarding the award of a contract.  Any such forward-looking statements are based on MDA’s current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends.  The factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements in this release include contracts not being terminated.  Any such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. MDA cautions readers that should certain risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from those expected. The risks that could cause actual results to differ from current expectations include failure of third parties and subcontractors; failure of systems to meet performance requirements; failure to anticipate changes in technology, technical standards and offerings or comply with the requisite standards; risks associated with operating satellites and providing satellite services, including satellite construction or launch delays, launch failures, in-orbit failures or impaired satellite performance; risks associated with satellite manufacturing, including competition, cyclicality of SSL’s end-user markets, contractual risks, creditworthiness of customers, performance of suppliers and management of SSL’s factory and personnel; risk associated with financial factors such as volatility in exchange rates, increases in interest rates, restrictions on access to capital, and swings in global financial markets; risks associated with domestic and foreign government regulation, including export controls and economic sanctions; and other risks, including litigation.

For additional information with respect to certain of these risks or factors, plus additional risks or factors, reference should be made to MDA’s continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, which are available online at www.sedar.com or on MDA’s website at www.mdacorporation.com.

 

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