SSL-built satellite for Intelsat begins post-launch maneuvers according to plan
Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, today announced that a satellite designed and built for Intelsat S.A (NYSE: I), operator of the world’s first Globalized Network, powered by its leading satellite backbone, was launched yesterday and is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite, Intelsat 36, deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. It will begin firing its main thruster later today to propel it toward its final geostationary orbit. Intelsat will use the satellite to provide media and content distribution services in Africa and South Asia.
“I would like to thank and congratulate the teams at Intelsat, Arianespace, and SSL who contributed to the successful launch of Intelsat 36,” said John Celli, president of SSL. “We are pleased to hear that the satellite, which is the second that we have delivered for Intelsat this year, is functioning according to plan.”
Intelsat 36 was designed with both Ku-band and C-band capacity, and will be used to provide direct-to-home television services in Sub-Saharan Africa as well as television program distribution services in South Asia.
“SSL has been a valued partner of Intelsat for many years due to its reliability and ability to deliver on schedule,” said Ken Lee, Senior Vice President, Space Systems of Intelsat. “Now that Intelsat 36 has been successfully launched, we look forward to supporting the growth of our customers in Africa and South Asia with reliable, high power services, enabling the delivery of differentiated content to their subscribers.”
The satellite is built on the highly reliable SSL 1300 platform, which is designed to provide service for 15 years or more. Intelsat 36 is the 51st satellite that SSL has delivered to Intelsat in total.
About Intelsat S.A.
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I) operates the world’s first Globalized Network, delivering high-quality, cost-effective video and broadband services anywhere in the world. Intelsat’s Globalized Network combines the world’s largest satellite backbone with terrestrial infrastructure, managed services and an open, interoperable architecture to enable customers to drive revenue and reach through a new generation of network services. Thousands of organizations serving billions of people worldwide rely on Intelsat to provide ubiquitous broadband connectivity, multi-format video broadcasting, secure satellite communications and seamless mobility services. The end result is an entirely new world, one that allows us to envision the impossible, connect without boundaries and transform the ways in which we live. For more information, visit www.intelsat.com.
About SSL
SSL, a subsidiary of MDA, is a leading provider of commercial satellites with broad expertise to support satellite operators and innovative space related missions. The company designs and manufactures spacecraft for services such as direct-to-home television, video content distribution, broadband internet, mobile communications, and Earth observation. As a Silicon Valley innovator for more than 50 years, SSL’s advanced product line also includes state-of-the-art small satellites, and sophisticated robotics and automation solutions for remote operations. For more information, visit www.sslmda.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, 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 13 locations in the United States, Canada, and internationally.
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.’s (MDA) common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “MDA.”
Related Websites
www.mdacorporation.com
