Ms. Wendy Keyzer reports

SSL-BUILT SATELLITE SATMEX 8 SUCCESSFULLY PERFORMS POST-LAUNCH MANEUVERS

The Satmex 8 satellite, designed and built for Satelites Mexicanos SA de CV (Satmex) by MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. subsidiary Space Systems/Loral (SSL), launched yesterday, is successfully performing postlaunch manoeuvres 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) from the Baikonur Space Centre in Kazakhstan. The satellite will begin firing its main thruster later today in order to start manoeuvring into geosynchronous orbit.

"SSL shares Satmex's focus on quality service and the use of satellite communications for an interconnected world," said John Celli, president of SSL. "We are pleased to see Satmex 8 performing on orbit where it joins Satmex 6, also built by SSL, which continues to provide reliable service over the Americas."

Satmex 8 is a fixed satellite services (FSS) spacecraft that will provide video content and distribution, broadband services, and cellular backhaul in North, South and Central America. It will also help people in remote areas with services for telemedicine, distance learning and emergency communications. When the satellite completes in-orbit testing, it will replace Satmex 5 at 116.8 degrees west longitude.

"SSL has been an important contributor to our fleet expansion," said Jesus Gutierrez, program manager and director of engineering of Satmex. "We would like to thank everyone at SSL, ILS and Satmex who dedicated their time to this satellite and made this launch a success."

Satmex 8 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 satellite is designed to deliver service for 15 years or more. With this launch, there are 72 SSL-built satellites currently on orbit.

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