SSL-built satellite for Intelsat begins post-launch maneuvers according to plan

PALO ALTO, CA, Aug. 21, 2015 /CNW/ - Space Systems/Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that a satellite designed and built for Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I), the leading provider of satellite services, was launched yesterday and is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite, Intelsat 34, 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 in order to propel it toward its final geosynchronous orbit.

"We are honored to continue to work with Intelsat as one of its trusted spacecraft suppliers," said John Celli, president of SSL. "The success of Intelsat 34, which will support content distribution and the delivery of broadband connectivity to maritime and aeronautical providers, is the result of our long-term shared commitment to quality, teamwork, and outstanding service to our customers."

Featuring C- and Ku-band payloads, Intelsat 34 will support the expanding demand for Direct-to-Home television service and broadcast television distribution in Latin America. It will also provide broadband services for maritime and aeronautical use in the North Atlantic region. Upon reaching its final orbital position of 304.5 degrees East longitude, Intelsat 34 will replace Intelsat 805 and Galaxy 11.

"We are pleased that Intelsat 34 is in-orbit and performing according to plan," said Thierry Guillemin, EVP and Chief Technology Officer of Intelsat. "SSL has been a trusted partner for many years, as Intelsat 34 marks the 50^th satellite that SSL has built for us.  With technology in our sector advancing rapidly, Intelsat is working closely with our manufacturers, including SSL, to incorporate innovations that will support the high performance, better economics, and increased accessibility that will broaden the appeal of satellite-based solutions."

Intelsat 34 is based on the powerful SSL 1300 platform, which has the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. The satellite is designed to provide service for 16 years or more. SSL has two additional satellites for Intelsat in its backlog.  With this launch, there are 80 SSL-built GEO satellites currently on orbit.

About Intelsat S.A.

Intelsat S.A. I is the world's leading provider of satellite services, delivering high performance connectivity solutions for media, fixed and mobile broadband infrastructure, enterprise and government and military applications for 50 years. Intelsat's satellite, teleport and fiber infrastructure is unmatched in the industry, setting the standard for transmissions of video and broadband services. From the globalization of content and the proliferation of HD, to the expansion of cellular networks and mobile broadband access, with Intelsat, envision your future network, connect using our leading satellite technology and transform your opportunities. Envision…Connect…Transform…with Intelsat. 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 11 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."

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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.

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