Press releases

PALO ALTO, Calif. – August 8, 2017 — Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, today announced that the BSAT-4a satellite, designed and built for Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT), a leading broadcasting satellite operator in Japan, has arrived at the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, where it will be launched aboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle by Arianespace. The satellite will be used for Direct-to-Home (DTH) television service in Japan.

“The completion and delivery of this high performance satellite to launch base demonstrates the success of our streamlined operations,” said Paul Estey, executive vice president and chief operating officer of SSL. “We are honored that B-SAT put its trust in SSL for this next-generation satellite, and look forward to our teams working together with Arianespace to prepare the satellite for launch.”

BSAT-4a will have 24 Ku-band transponders and will expand the availability of advanced television services such as high definition and 4K/8K ultra-high definition. The satellite is based on the highly reliable SSL 1300 platform, which provides the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. It is designed to provide service for 15 years or longer.

“BSAT-4a is the first satellite we have purchased from SSL and we have been pleased with the support that we received from their skilled and experienced team,” said Takashi Yabashi, president and chief executive officer of B-SAT. “SSL has proven its reputation as an agile and reliable partner during the production of our satellite and we are happy with its on-time delivery to launch base. Now we look forward to providing the expanded Ultra HD programming and high quality direct-to-home service that this satellite enables.”

 

About B-SAT
B-SAT is a unique operator of broadcasting satellites in the 12GHz BSS band for Japan. The company was established in April 1993 and is located in Tokyo, Japan. Since then,   B-SAT has worked toward providing stable satellite operations and continuity of broadcasting services. B-SAT currently owns and manages three satellites, BSAT-3a, BSAT-3b and BSAT-3c, for BSS which are providing current 2K broadcasting service. The number of BSS Digital Broadcasting Receivers is now over 140 million in Japan. B-SAT has started 4K/8K test broadcasting by BSAT-3 series and will provide new service, 4K8K regular broadcasting service by BSAT-4a in December 2018.

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.

Related Websites
www.sslmda.com
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” or the “Company”) with respect to future events and financial performance.  The forward-looking statements in this regard include statements regarding the strategic business venture entered into between MDA and its business partner.  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, but are not limited to, certain 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, but are not limited to: risks associated with executing the parties strategy and plans for securing future commercial customers; the introduction of competing technologies; unexpected technical or marketing difficulties; unexpected deterioration of economic and financial conditions; the imposition of budgetary constraints or deferment of funding for programs in which the Company or its customers participate; risks associated with satellite manufacturing, including competition, cyclicality of end-user markets, contractual risks, creditworthiness of customers, performance of suppliers and management of factory and personnel; certain customers are highly leveraged and may not fulfil their contractual payment obligations, including vendor financing; risks associated with operating satellites and providing satellite services, including satellite construction or launch delays, launch failures, in-orbit failures or impaired satellite performance; risk associated with financial factors such as volatility in exchange rates, increases in interest rates and restrictions on access to capital; failure of third parties and subcontractors; failure of systems to meet performance requirements; failure to anticipate changes in technology, technical standards and offerings or compliance with the requisite standards, or failure to maintain technological advances and offer new products to retain customers and market position; and other risks including litigation.  Readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. Except as required by law, MDA disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise the information herein.

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

The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the form or content of this release.

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