Space Systems/Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that the ABS-2 satellite, designed and built for ABS, was launched yesterday 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 from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana . The satellite will begin firing its main thruster later today in order to start maneuvering into geosynchronous orbit.

“I would like to thank ABS and Arianespace for working closely with us to make the launch of ABS-2 a success,” said John Celli , president of SSL. “This is the culmination of many hours of hard work and we are gratified to see the satellite performing according to plan.”

ABS-2 is a highly sophisticated multi-mission C, Ku- and Ka-band satellite designed to provide multiple services including direct-to-home and cable television distribution, VSAT services, data networks, and telecommunications services across four continents.  The satellite, which will be positioned at 75 degrees East longitude, has a total of 89 active C-band, Ku-band and Ka-band transponders across 10 different beams.

“ABS-2 is an extraordinary satellite and I’d like to thank SSL for its efforts to work with us to maximize its performance,” said Tom Choi , CEO of ABS. “We look forward to many years of service on this satellite based on the reliability of the SSL platform.   When it enters into service, ABS-2 will extend the reach of affordable and reliable communications and broadcast services to a broad swath of underserved regions.”

The satellite is based on the highly reliable SSL 1300 platform, which provides the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. It is designed to provide service for 15 years or more. With this launch, there are 75 SSL-built satellites currently on orbit.

About ABS
ABS is a young, dynamic and fast growing global satellite operator, with an entrepreneurial and creative business approach. ABS operates five satellites (ABS-1, ABS-1A, ABS-2i, ABS-3 and ABS-7) from 3 premium locations at 3°W, 75°E and 116°E.  Its sixth satellite ABS-2 was successfully launched yesterday.  Located at 75?East and fitted with 89 C, Ku, and Ka-band transponders, it will provide broadcasting, telecommunications and data services for Africa , Asia Pacific , Europe , the Middle East and Russia /CIS countries.

ABS has also ordered two Boeing 702SP satellites (ABS-3A & ABS-2A planned for 2014 and 2015 respectively) with the options to add more satellites over the next 2-3 years to its growing satellite fleet.

For more information, visit www.absatellite.com.

Contact:
Penny Hill
T: +65 81898835
E: penny@absatellite.com

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 a 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.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. In addition, the Company conducts a significant amount of advanced technology development.

MDA’s well-established global customer base is served by more than 4,500 employees operating from 11 offices located in the United States , Canada , and internationally.

MacDonald , Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.’s (MDA) common shares trade under the symbol TSX:MDA