Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, today announced that the EchoStar XXIII satellite, designed and built for EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS), was launched last night from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 and will begin to fire its main thruster tomorrow night to propel itself toward its final circular orbit in the geostationary arc. SSL is a subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates, Ltd. (TSX:MDA), a global communications and information company.
“This is the third satellite built for EchoStar by SSL to be placed on orbit since last June,” said John Celli, president of SSL. I would like to thank EchoStar, SpaceX and our own engineers and technicians who all worked as a team to make this launch a success.”
EchoStar XXIII is a highly flexible Ku-band satellite capable of providing service from multiple orbital slots. Based on the SSL 1300 platform, the satellite will be deployed at the 45 degrees West orbital location, providing high-power Direct-to Home services into Brazil. The satellite is designed to provide service for 15 years or more.
“SSL has been an important manufacturing partner to EchoStar,” said Anders Johnson, president of EchoStar Satellite Services. “We are pleased to add another SSL-built satellite to our fleet.”
SSL has built more than a dozen satellites for EchoStar and its affiliates, including the high capacity EchoStar XIX satellite for HughesNet® high-speed satellite Internet service in North America, which was successfully launched in December, and EchoStar XVIII for DISH Network, which launched last June.
About EchoStar
EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS) is a premier global provider of satellite communication solutions. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., and conducting business around the globe, EchoStar is a pioneer in secure communications technologies through its Hughes Network Systems and EchoStar Satellite Services business segments.
For more information, visit echostar.com. Follow @EchoStar on Twitter.
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 “MDA.”
About SSL
Space Systems Loral (SSL) 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.
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