PALO ALTO, CA, Feb. 11, 2013 /CNW/ - Space Systems/Loral (SSL), a
leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that the Amazonas 3 multi-mission satellite, designed and built for HISPASAT Group, was launched on February 7, 2013 and is successfully performing
post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite deployed its
solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle provided by Arianespacefrom the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The satellite has
begun firing its main thruster to complete its journey to geostationary
orbit.
"It has been a privilege to work closely with our colleagues at HISPASAT
and to see the successful launch of this important satellite," said John Celli, president of SSL. "I would like to thank everyone at HISPASAT,
Arianespace, and SSL for their hard work and dedication to making this
satellite program a success."
Amazonas 3 is a multi-mission satellite that includes the first Ka-band
payload for broadband service in Latin America. It will provide a wide
range of telecommunications services including direct-to-home
television (DTH), corporate fixed and mobile telephone networks, and
broadband in the Americas, Europe, and North Africa. The satellite,
which will be positioned at 61 degrees West longitude, has 33 Ku-band
and 19 C-band transponders, and nine Ka-band spot beams.
"We are very pleased with SSL's strong execution on the satellite
program and early delivery of Amazonas 3," said Carlos Espinós, chief
executive officer of HISPASAT. "Once in service, it will help us expand
our services and meet the growing demand for telecommunications
services around the world."
The satellite is based on the highly reliable SSL 1300 space-proven platform, which provides the flexibility to support a broad range of
applications and technology advances. The spacecraft is designed to
deliver service for 15 years or more. With this launch, there are 71
SSL-built satellites currently on orbit.
About the HISPASAT Group
The HISPASAT Group is comprised of companies with a presence in Spain as
well as in Latin America, where its Brazilian affiliate HISPAMAR
operates the Amazonas fleet of satellites. The Group is the leader in
the broadcast and distribution of content in Spanish and Portuguese,
including the transmission of important Direct to Home (DTH) and High
Definition Television digital platforms. HISPASAT is one of the most
important companies in its sector in the world by revenue and the main
communications bridge between Europe and America.
About SSL
SSL, a subsidiary of MDA, has a long history of delivering reliable
satellites and spacecraft systems for commercial and government
customers around the world. As the world's leading provider of
commercial satellites, the company works closely with satellite
operators to provide spacecraft for a broad range of services including
television and radio distribution, digital audio radio, broadband
Internet, and mobile communications. Billions of people around the
world depend on SSL satellites every day. For more information, visit www.ssloral.com.
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. In addition, the Company conducts a significant
amount of advanced technology development.
MDA's well-established global customer base is served by more than 5,000
employees operating from 17 offices located in the United States,
Canada, and internationally.
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.'s (MDA) common shares trade
under the symbol TSX:MDA.
Related Websites:
www.mdacorporation.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements and information,
which reflect the current view of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates
Ltd. and its subsidiaries (collectively "MDA" or the "Company") with
respect to future events and financial performance. When used in this
news release, the words "believes", "expects", "plans", "may", "will",
"would", "could", "should", "anticipates", "estimates", "project",
"intend" or "outlook" or other variations of these words or other
similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements
and information. Actual results may differ materially from the
expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements as
a result of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Known risks and
uncertainties include but are not limited to: 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 MDA's
end-user markets, contractual risks, creditworthiness of customers,
performance of suppliers and management of MDA'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. The
foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. The information
contained in this news release reflects MDA's beliefs, assumptions,
intentions, plans and expectations as of the date of this news release.
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.
SOURCE: MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.
<p> <b>CONTACT:</b><br/> Wendy Keyzer<br/> MDA External Relations<br/> (604) 231-2743<br/> <a href="mailto:wendy@mdacorporation.com">wendy@mdacorporation.com</a> </p>